Recent Posts
This week’s announcement that Cambridge University has transferred legal ownership of its collection of 116 Benin artefacts to Nigeria could be hugely significant
Latest Restitution News
Recent articles added to our comprehensive resource list of restitution news from around the world
FEB 2026
Portugal
Portugal has made its first-ever restitution of pre-Columbian artefacts to Mexico as both countries commit to combat illegal trafficking of cultural property
FEB 2026
United States
The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art will return three bronze sculptures to India following evidence the objects were removed illegally
FEB 2026
United Kingdom
Cambridge University has transferred legal ownership of 116 Benin bronzes in its collection to Nigeria following an agreement made with Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments
FEB 2026
United States
New York Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos, head of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, has been awarded the Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History for his work recovering looted antiquities
From the Editor
The latest analysis and reports on cultural restitution news
This week’s announcement that Cambridge University has transferred legal ownership of its collection of 116 Benin artefacts to Nigeria could be hugely significant
Britain’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed it will review the exclusion it imposed on national collections that prevents them from returning cultural objects on moral grounds
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
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)