Proof of Patronage
The Future of Cultural Philanthropy
Welcome to the Proof of Patronage platform by House of Lobkowicz. Here we aim to redefine cultural philanthropy through a unique patronage model that uses cutting-edge blockchain technology to restore, preserve, and authenticate cultural heritage. Our platform allows you to support the restoration of the Lobkowicz Collections, transparently track its progress, and share in the journey and impact of each restoration.
Artworks Saved
Since 2021, we have restored and displayed 62 works of art—an unprecedented number in our history.
Years Old
We have been testing, developing, and improving our concept through conferences, consulting, and prototypes.
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Visitor Views
These restored works of art have been viewed and enjoyed by international visitors.
Restored Works
Browse below works that have been restored using the Proof of Patronage method—now on public display at the Lobkowicz Palace or Nelahozeves Castle.
Precedence for Proof of Patronage
If you visit the Lobkowicz Palace Museum in Prague Castle, you will see on display a signed receipt from Ludwig van Beethoven, acknowledging his annuity from the 8th Prince Lobkowicz which dates to 1821. This receipt proves Lobkowicz’s patronage of Beethoven; however, should anything happen to it, that proof would be lost forever. We believe blockchain is a powerful tool for acknowledging and certifying someone’s patronage of a work of art. Thanks to blockchain’s transparent, immutable, and decentralized qualities, your patronage is permanently recorded without risk of destruction or modification. As a result of your patronage, you join a community of people who care about cultural preservation.
Our Method
The project is set at the cost of the restoration of the underlying physical work of art. As a patron, you can adopt a project and your donation directly funds the restoration of the physical work. The patron receives an initial NFT (non-fungible token) of the damaged work of art bound to their email or sent directly to their Ethereum wallet. The patron subsequently receives an additional NFT post-restoration to see the work’s transformation as a result of their patronage, ultimately holding two NFTs: one of the work in its damaged condition and one in its restored condition.
If the patron does not wish to claim an NFT, they do not have to, but will always have the option to claim it at a later date. The patron’s participation and support is not contingent upon familiarity with blockchain or NFTs. The patron may also adopt a project using a traditional donation method.
* The NFTs represent digital receipts confirming and acknowledging your donation. They do not hold any intrinsic value, and therefore cannot be sold or traded. The NFTs and the physical work are two separate entities. The NFTs do not represent ownership of the physical work.
View All ProjectsOur Restoration Process
We believe in taking our visitors through the journey of restoration so that they can experience every step of the process and see how their funds are being used to preserve and share cultural heritage.
AFTER
BEFORE
You can move the bar to explore the before and after status of the artwork.
1
Donation Received
Upon receiving your donation, we will cryptographically certify it using blockchain and generate an NFT showing the artwork before restoration. If you have an Ethereum-based wallet, you can receive this token. If you don’t want the NFT, no problem. We will still certify your donation and issue you an NFT at any time via your email.
2
Restoration Begins
You can track restoration progress within your account on the Proof of Patronage platform where we will share photos (and when feasible, videos) along the way.
3
Restoration Complete
Upon completion of the restoration, we will issue a second NFT showing the artwork in its restored state. We will also share any new historical information we may have learned about the piece throughout the course of the restoration process.
Why Donate
In addition to supporting our mission to preserve, study, and share the Lobkowicz Collections with the world, there are also exclusive benefits associated with your patronage.
1
Save an object that has suffered destruction and neglect under two totalitarian regimes.
2
Potential visit of the restorer’s studio to see the progression of the work.
3
Optional acknowledgment in our annual report and on the museum label.
4
Join a dynamic community of patrons connected with the Lobkowicz Collections.
5
Cryptographically certify proof of your patronage on blockchain.
How to Support
We accept all major fiat currencies as well as cryptocurrency.
Debit / Credit
We accept USD as a fiat currency.
Crypto
We accept USDC (stablecoin backed by U.S. dollars) as a crypto payment. Please note that we mint our Proof of Patronage NFTs on Ethereum.
Projects in Need of Funding
Browse and adopt a project that is meaningful to you. Every year, we add new priority restoration projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a universal, decentralized, and immutable (it can’t be changed or manipulated) digital ledger that records and stores data and transactions, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
What is an NFT?
By definition, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are digital assets that certify authenticity and unique ownership of a digital item. These digital tokens can represent works of art, photos, videos, or physical assets. They are stored and recorded on a universally accessible digital ledger called blockchain—the same underlying technology as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. NFTs can be bought and sold on digital marketplaces. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs have unique properties and thus can’t be exchanged like-for-like (hence non-fungible).
The way we as an organization are specifically using NFTs is strictly as digital receipts confirming and acknowledging your donation. They do not hold any intrinsic value, and therefore cannot be sold or traded. The NFTs and the physical work are two separate entities. The NFTs do not represent ownership of the physical work.
I don’t understand blockchain or crypto. Can I still be a patron without holding an NFT?
Yes, you can still be a patron without holding an NFT. Although we believe NFTs effectively certify your patronage of a work, if you feel uncomfortable holding an NFT, we can hold onto it for you. Should you change your mind later, we can always transfer it to you at any point.
Why blockchain?
Blockchain provides a secure and immutable way to certify and track your patronage. It ensures that the record of your contribution is permanent and cannot be altered, providing transparency and trust in the process.
What chain do you put your NFTs on?
We use Ethereum to record your donations.
Can I make my donation anonymously?
Yes, your donation can be made anonymous to the public and we will only record your information internally. Simply tick the box marked anonymous donation in the sales process or contact us at pop@lobkowicz.cz
How do I track the progress of the restoration?
You can track the restoration progress within your account on the Proof of Patronage platform where we will share regular updates.
Do I need to understand blockchain to participate?
No, our platform is designed to be user-friendly. We handle all the technical details, so you can focus on the impact of your donation. If you have any concerns or questions, our team is here to help.
What happens if I lose access to my NFT?
If you lose access to your NFT, please contact us at pop@lobkowicz.cz, and we will assist you in recovering it, ensuring your proof of patronage remains secure.