Recent Posts
Campaigners for ending the public display and sale of human remains will be encouraged by this month’s news from the DCMS that it plans to review its Guidance for the Care of Human Remains in Museums
Latest Restitution News
Recent articles added to our comprehensive resource list of restitution news from around the world
NOV 2026
Sweden
Following an agreement made three years ago, Swedish museums have begun returning dozens of looted artefacts, including Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and sacred objects to Bolivia
NOV 2026
United Kingdom
Following a visit by the BM's director, the V&A and British Museum have agreed to renew their loan agreement to the Asantehene's Museum in Ghana by a further three years
NOV 2026
Italy
Italy is considering introducing legislation that would establish a formal process for restituting cultural property seized by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945
OCT 2026
United Kingdom
Cambridge University's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology will retain on long-term loan 17 of the 116 Benin Bronzes it is returning to Nigeria
From the Editor
The latest analysis and reports on cultural restitution news
Campaigners for ending the public display and sale of human remains will be encouraged by this month’s news from the DCMS that it plans to review its Guidance for the Care of Human Remains in Museums
After assuming the UK’s highest office, another British prime minister has changed his mind about returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. Was this predictable?
The USA is being urged not to renew a five-year cultural property agreement with the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the grounds Egypt has prioritised ‘prestige megaprojects’ and ‘political spectacle’ over site protection and collections management
About Cultural Restitution
Cultural restitution is the process by which a moveable object of historic or cultural value is returned to its country of origin after being seized, looted or acquired against the will of its owners. But it's more than just an act of return. It represents a growing recognition of the need to correct injustices committed in the past.
Today, as society’s values and the role of museums change, the legitimacy and ownership of these objects – as well as those thought to be procured legally – are coming under a spotlight. As complicated and sensitive as this debate may be, there’s no halting the growing debate between museums and communities of origin to find solutions that build new bridges of friendship and cooperation. This involves a new approach to restitution built on transparency and fairness - engaging with source communities and ensuring their voice is heard.
EXPLORE
Mapping the location of cultural restitutions
Our extensive Global Archive provides invaluable links to many other restitutions and other restitution news taking place around the world - organised by country.
View our Interactive Map ➔
A Museum Perspective
"It is very timely that we establish a modern, cohesive, transparent national framework, which is grounded in ethical stewardship and respectful and culturally sensitive engagement with claimant communities".
Ireland's Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD (June 2026)
