The Audio Long Read Best of 2025 … so far: ‘The ghosts are everywhere’: can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis?
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Aug 8, 2025 Explore the British Museum's turbulent landscape amid theft scandals and colonial controversies. Delve into the weighty history and politics surrounding artifact repatriation, spotlighting issues like the return of cuneiform tablets. Discover the hidden operations of the museum, revealing the ethical dilemmas curators face. Unearth the complexities of preserving cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges of trust and accountability. This journey through the museum's struggles highlights its quest for integrity in a time of crisis.
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Museum Reflects Britain's Psyche
- The British Museum represents Britain's complex psyche, including imperialism and cultural relativism.
- Its vast collection embodies historical contradictions and national identity struggles.
Repatriation Is Today's Question
- Repatriation of contested artifacts like the Benin bronzes is now a pressing issue.
- The museum's silence has fueled perceptions that all items are stolen.
Curator Theft Shatters Trust
- A curator allegedly stole or damaged 2,000 items over three decades, shattering trust.
- Staff felt betrayal, as their mission is to preserve the collection for future benefit.