ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Swiss Museum to Repatriate Benin Artifacts to Nigeria

cultural-heritage · 2026-03-21

The Rietberg Museum in Switzerland has announced plans to return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. These artifacts were taken during a British military expedition in 1897. Zurich's mayor described the decision as an effort to address historical wrongs. The restitution represents a significant step in ongoing discussions about cultural heritage repatriation.

Key facts

  • The Rietberg Museum will repatriate Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
  • The artifacts were looted by British forces in 1897
  • Zurich's mayor stated this action addresses past injustices
  • The return involves cultural items from the Kingdom of Benin
  • This is part of broader restitution efforts for colonial-era acquisitions

Entities

Institutions

  • Rietberg Museum

Locations

  • Switzerland
  • Nigeria
  • Zurich
  • Benin

Sources