This Week: Should Museums Repatriate Cultural Artifacts?

For centuries, museums in Europe and the U.S. built their collections during eras of empire and unequal power. Now, institutions face growing calls to return artifacts taken through colonial rule or war, from the Benin Bronzes to Indigenous objects. Supporters say repatriation corrects historical injustice and restores sacred objects to their communities. Critics argue that museums serve a global public and that these works represent shared human heritage. Now we debate: Should Museums Repatriate Cultural Artifacts?
Arguing Yes:
Chika Okeke-Agulu, Artist, Curator, and Professor of Art and Archaeology and African American Studies at Princeton University
Leila Amineddoleh, Art and Cultural Heritage Lawyer; Chair of the Firms Art Law Group at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin
Arguing No:
Dominic Selwood, Historian, Author, Journalist, and Barrister
Mario Trabucco della Torretta, Classical Archaeologist