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The Audio Long Read

‘The ghosts are everywhere’: can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis?

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.
38:48

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Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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