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In 2022 several western collections made a decision to transfer ownership of their Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Reassured by progress on the construction of a major new facility in Benin City, they understood their Benin artefacts would be exhibited in a new museum to be called the Edo Museum of West African Art
Latest Restitution News
Recent articles added to our comprehensive resource list of restitution news from around the world
NOV 2025
United Kingdom
National collections will be excluded from new rules in the Charities Act 2022 that otherwise permit charity trustees to make their own decisions on small ex gratia payments
NOV 2025
Germany
Twelve Ethiopian artefacts, collected in the 1920s by Germany's then envoy to Ethiopia, have been handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies in Addis Ababa
NOV 2025
Ghana
Ghana's Asante King has welcomed the return of 130 gold and bronze artefacts, twenty-five donated by a British art historian and the balance from the South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti
NOV 2025
Vatican City
The Vatican Museums are to return a rare Indigenous kayak to Canada held since the world exhibition in 1925
From the Editor
The latest analysis and reports on cultural restitution news
In 2022 several western collections made a decision to transfer ownership of their Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Reassured by progress on the construction of a major new facility in Benin City, they understood their Benin artefacts would be exhibited in a new museum to be called the Edo Museum of West African Art
After years of delay and political distraction, the official opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum finally took place in the shadow of the pyramids on the evening of November 1st attended by monarchs, world leaders, heads of state and government
A new commissioned sculpture marking the latest stage in the Renewable Cultural Partnership between the V&A and the Manhyia Palace Museum has gone on display in South Kensington
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.
View our Interactive Map ➔
A Museum Perspective
"To be entrusted with the temporary display of a Benin Bronze plaque on loan from the Nigerian government is a testament to the mutual respect and partnership we've built."
Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the Denver Art Museum (October 2025)
