‘The ghosts are everywhere’: can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis?
Mar 17, 2025
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Charlotte Higgins, Chief culture writer for The Guardian, delves into the multiple crises facing the British Museum, from colonial controversies to financial struggles. She shares insights from her extensive research, highlighting the museum's complex role in reflecting the UK's historical narratives. The discussion unveils the internal theft scandal and the challenges of artifacts’ restitution. Higgins emphasizes the urgent need for decolonization and the museum's identity crisis, raising questions about its future and relevance in today's cultural landscape.
The British Museum must confront its colonial past and address calls for restitution to rebuild public trust and relevance.
Allegations of theft within the museum have severely damaged its reputation, highlighting the need for better management and oversight.
Deep dives
The British Museum's Unique Identity
The British Museum is portrayed not just as a collection of exhibits but as a multifaceted institution reflecting British identity and history. It serves as a place of cultural diplomacy, education, and research while also embodying Britain's complex colonial past. This complexity includes its vast collection of eight million objects, which symbolizes a range of emotions from cultural pride to post-colonial anxiety. The museum, established in 1753, was founded to support the intellectual and cultural growth of a united Britain, making it a central figure in the nation's narrative.
Controversies Surrounding Repatriation
The issue of repatriation has emerged as a significant concern for the British Museum, particularly regarding contested items like the Benin bronzes and Parthenon sculptures. Critics argue that many artifacts were acquired through colonial aggression and should be returned to their countries of origin. The museum's muted response to these growing calls for restitution has led to public skepticism about its ethical stewardship of cultural heritage. As the debate intensifies, the museum's leadership struggles to navigate these complex issues while maintaining its relevance in a changing world.
Internal Crisis and Security Breaches
The British Museum is currently facing a crisis following allegations of theft and misconduct by its staff, which has severely damaged public trust. A senior curator is suspected of removing and selling thousands of items, challenging the museum's reputation as a trustworthy guardian of historical artifacts. This situation highlights deeper issues of inadequate management and oversight within the institution. The fallout from these events has left employees feeling betrayed and has exacerbated existing tensions surrounding the museum's operations and ethical standards.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the British Museum must tackle immense challenges to rebuild its reputation and restore public confidence. This includes addressing the ongoing debates over artifact provenance and finding pathways for restitution that satisfy both critics and institutional goals. A new leadership team is expected to implement changes, though skepticism remains about their effectiveness in steering the museum through turbulent times. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the museum's future depends on its ability to adapt and respond to contemporary ethical standards and societal expectations.
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of a thief on the inside, Britain’s No 1 museum is in deep trouble. Can it restore its reputation? By Charlotte Higgins. Read by Diveen Henry. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
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