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 Firm’s Art Law Group at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin 

Arguing No:  

Dominic Selwood, Historian, Author, Journalist, and Barrister 

Mario Trabucco della Torretta, Classical Archaeologist 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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