Beyond Restitution: Exploring the Story of Cultural Objects After Their Repatriation

'Beyond Restitution: Exploring the Story of Cultural Objects After Their Return' offers a longer-term view on restitution through an analysis of past experiences.

Whilst so far research has focused on the legal framework applicable to de-accessioning museum objects and the processes adopted to address restitution claims, Beyond Restitution studied the impact of restitution once objects have changed hands. Therefore, it sought to inform the debate through its consideration of the impacts of restitution on the communities and countries of origin and on those institutions or nations from which the objects have been claimed. By expanding the understanding of return processes, the project unveiled nuanced perspectives on the question of restitution and the broader issues at stake.

The project began in February 2021 and its co-authored monograph was published by Hart Bloomsbury in August 2025. It includes seven case studies, including one that looks at the return of stolen idols in Nepal and their role in managing living heritage and another considering the return of a traditional weapon to Indonesia.

The research also considered relevant developments, such as the adoption in September 2022 of a Declaration adopted by the Ministers of Culture of the UNESCO Member States which covers the question of restitution, see here. On International Museum Day 2023, based on some of the project's findings, we made call to increase funding for museums to enable them to adopt a proactive approach to return and restitution.

In August 2025, we published Beyond Restitution with Bloomsbury (Hart) as part of the Institute of Art and Law Series. The book tells the story of cultural objects that were housed in European institutions and returned to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In addition to in-depth analysis of relevant laws and policies, each of the case studies integrates interviews with those who were directly involved in those return processes, as well as those who were impacted by them, including museum staff, government representatives and community members. The book presents previously unheard insights into past return processes, the manifold modalities that such processes have followed, and, at times, unexpected outcomes. By doing so, it offers possible lessons to be learnt for future returns. The book is available in an Open Access format.

For more details about Beyond Restitution please contact the project lead Kristin Hausler, Dorset Senior Fellow and Director of the Centre for International Law.

The project was funded by The Leverhulme Trust.