A Global Museum

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Mandela-supported-the-British-Museums-global-role/31310

Although many condemn the British Museum for their collections obtained during the era of British Imperialism, some believe the global emphasis of the museum is a positive phenomenon. Nelson Mandela in 2000 said that he was “particularly proud that the museum is about to open three new African galleries.” He praised the attention of the British Museum to the world. He also said, “This great museum may have begun as the beneficiary of British imperial power, but it has become a truly international institution supported by global donors and attracting scholars and tourists from across the world to its unique collection of artistic treasures in which every continent is represented.” He didn’t call for the restoration of artifacts, but rather appreciated the mission of the museum.

Demands for restoration of imperial plunder

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/04/chinese-demand-return-of-priceless-british-museum-artifacts-illegally-plundered-during-boxer-rebellion/

Along with the theme of imperial plunder, David Cameron (the Prime Minister of the UK) travelled to China on December 4^th in order to make trade deals with the nation. While he was in China, some Chinese groups demanded the return of 23,000 items in the possession of the British Museum acquired by the British during the Boxer rebellion. Cameron seems to have ignored these requests.

Trouble for the Egyptian Museum of Cairo

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/travel/234410231.html

Part of the reason the British Museum won’t return any of its prized Egyptian artifacts back to Egypt is because of their distrust in the Egyptians. The political turmoil of recent years has damaged more than just the reputation of the Egyptian Museum. Tourism revenue has essentially come to a complete halt. It’s location, Cairo’s Tahrir Square, has been a symbol of revolution in Egypt’s past and is now a critical point of Egypt’s political turmoil. The Egyptian government sometimes shuts down the Square, obviously limiting the museum’s ability to bring in visitors. The museum houses a vast collection of priceless Egyptian antiquities. In 2015, hopefully, precious items, such as King Tut’s treasures, will be moved to the Grand Museum of Giza when it opens.