Freakonomics Radio 635. Can a Museum Be the Conscience of a Nation?
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Jun 6, 2025 
Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, is on a mission to modernize the institution while embracing its complex past. He discusses the challenges of addressing looted artifacts and the museum's colonial legacy. Cullinan emphasizes the importance of making the museum accessible to everyone and the innovative plans for renovations that balance heritage with future needs. He also highlights the vital role museums play in community engagement and the ongoing conversation around artifact repatriation and cultural ownership.
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Portland Vase's Resilient History
- Nicholas Cullinan chose the Portland Vase as his meaningful British Museum object.
- It survived being smashed into a thousand pieces and was painstakingly restored twice, symbolizing resilience.
Complexities of Repatriation
- The British Museum's collection includes some looted items from wars, acknowledged honestly by Cullinan.
- British law forbids deaccessioning, making repatriation legally complex and requiring parliamentary action.
Innovate Museum Partnerships
- Museums should invent collaborative models instead of fighting old laws on ownership and repatriation.
- Partnerships, like co-purchasing artworks, can secure important pieces for public benefit more effectively.
