The Audio Long Read ‘The ghosts are everywhere’: can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis?
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Mar 17, 2025 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.
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Museum as a Microcosm
- The British Museum is more like a miniature state than a typical museum.
- It houses 6-8 million objects, reflecting Britain's complex history.
Repatriation Dismissed
- In 2006, Neil MacGregor, then-director, dismissed repatriation claims during a Nairobi exhibition.
- This was the first time the museum lent objects to an African institution.
Repatriation Controversies
- The Benin Bronzes and Parthenon Sculptures are key repatriation controversies.
- Public perception often assumes everything in the museum is stolen due to unclear communication.