Recent Posts
Six Native American skulls, acquired to advance the pseudoscience of phrenology, have been returned by the University of Edinburgh to the Muscogee Nation, a self-governed Native American Tribal Nation
Latest Restitution News
Recent articles added to our comprehensive resource list of restitution news from around the world
JAN 2026
France
A draft bill has been adopted by the French Senate aimed at simplifying the process of returning artefacts looted during the Colonial era
JAN 2026
Netherlands
An inventory of all Ghanaian cultural artefacts in Dutch collections, compiled by the World Museum in Leiden, is a major step towards restitution in the future
JAN 2026
Switzerland
A new independent panel to assess Nazi-era claims, together with colonial era cultural artefacts, is to be headed by former Swiss president
JAN 2026
Germany
Three important collections in Germany's closed, missionary Werl Ethnological Museum, "Forum of Peoples", may be the result of colonial looting and require further research
From the Editor
The latest analysis and reports on cultural restitution news
Six Native American skulls, acquired to advance the pseudoscience of phrenology, have been returned by the University of Edinburgh to the Muscogee Nation, a self-governed Native American Tribal Nation
Can museum visitors throw light on objects that lack a reliable history, description or provenance? Manchester Museum hopes they can
A rare and important 19th century gold hairpin once owned by Empress Tiruwork, wife of the Abyssinian Emperor Tewodros II, will be returning to Ethiopia following negotiations by the Royal Ethiopian Trust with the Rome auction house Bertolami Fine Art
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.
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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.
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A Museum Perspective
"It has been a privilege to welcome representatives from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and to assist in returning their ancestor's remains. Repatriations are an important part of our work to confront our history and we are unwavering in our commitment to continue addressing past and present racialised inequalities at the University."
Prof Sir Peter Mathieson, University of Edinburgh Principal and Vice-Chancellor (January 2026)