One of the things that I love about the British Museum? It's FREE! When a museum has free entry, it always makes me feel better about popping in for a quick visit rather than feeling like I need to spend all day there to really "get my money's worth." It's a silly frame of mind, but I can't help it.
So, here are some snaps from an afternoon of wandering in a very hot, very un-air conditioned, very crowded, very amazing museum:
The building is beautiful! The collection is amazing! But, our visit to The British Museum does bring up some big questions I have about the acquisition of some of these early works. In essentials, those early explorers/archeologists who acquired this amazing collection were grave robbers and thieves. It was acceptable behavior at the time, but many of the countries which were robbed are actively asking for the return of their art and artifacts.
But, it's complicated. Of course.
Sometimes the artwork has been paid for. But the person who sold it, stole it. Sometimes there are concerns about whether the artwork/artifact will be safe if returned home.
If you're interested in learning more about these issues, here are some articles I found interesting:
- Ancient Sites Destroyed by Isis
- British Museum & artifacts from Benin
- 9 Treasures That Should Be Returned
- Won't Return Painting Looted by Nazis
- Modern Day Looting
- Egypt's History of Grave Robbing
Do you have an opinion on these thorny questions? I'd love to hear it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow….thank you for sharing your experience. I loved the entrance and the textures abound. Always an educator. I appreciate you so much. Thank you! I am looking forward to reading a few of the articles posted.
Wow….thank you for sharing your experience. I loved the entrance and the textures abound. Always an educator. I appreciate you so much. Thank you! I am looking forward to reading a few of the articles posted.
Wow….thank you for sharing your experience. I loved the entrance and the textures abound. Always an educator. I appreciate you so much. Thank you! I am looking forward to reading a few of the articles posted.
Wow….thank you for sharing your experience. I loved the entrance and the textures abound. Always an educator. I appreciate you so much. Thank you! I am looking forward to reading a few of the articles posted.
Wow….thank you for sharing your experience. I loved the entrance and the textures abound. Always an educator. I appreciate you so much. Thank you! I am looking forward to reading a few of the articles posted.
Wow….thank you for sharing your experience. I loved the entrance and the textures abound. Always an educator. I appreciate you so much. Thank you! I am looking forward to reading a few of the articles posted.
I, too am very interested in Lost Art because of the Nazi looting……I have read much and always come back to the same thoughts……People should do the RIGHT thing !!!
…and it should come from your heart and your values…not court orders and created complications.
So sad……..
I, too am very interested in Lost Art because of the Nazi looting……I have read much and always come back to the same thoughts……People should do the RIGHT thing !!!
…and it should come from your heart and your values…not court orders and created complications.
So sad……..
I, too am very interested in Lost Art because of the Nazi looting……I have read much and always come back to the same thoughts……People should do the RIGHT thing !!!
…and it should come from your heart and your values…not court orders and created complications.
So sad……..
I, too am very interested in Lost Art because of the Nazi looting……I have read much and always come back to the same thoughts……People should do the RIGHT thing !!!
…and it should come from your heart and your values…not court orders and created complications.
So sad……..
I, too am very interested in Lost Art because of the Nazi looting……I have read much and always come back to the same thoughts……People should do the RIGHT thing !!!
…and it should come from your heart and your values…not court orders and created complications.
So sad……..
I, too am very interested in Lost Art because of the Nazi looting……I have read much and always come back to the same thoughts……People should do the RIGHT thing !!!
…and it should come from your heart and your values…not court orders and created complications.
So sad……..
Yes, it is complicated. I think that a compromise would be for the museums to acknowledge that the countries the art/artifacts were taken from have ownership, and that the plundered countries could place the items on permanent loan to the museums. Having the pieces in museums shares them with a wider audience to appreciate and, for the most part, are protected from damage and further theft.
Yes, it is complicated. I think that a compromise would be for the museums to acknowledge that the countries the art/artifacts were taken from have ownership, and that the plundered countries could place the items on permanent loan to the museums. Having the pieces in museums shares them with a wider audience to appreciate and, for the most part, are protected from damage and further theft.
Yes, it is complicated. I think that a compromise would be for the museums to acknowledge that the countries the art/artifacts were taken from have ownership, and that the plundered countries could place the items on permanent loan to the museums. Having the pieces in museums shares them with a wider audience to appreciate and, for the most part, are protected from damage and further theft.
Yes, it is complicated. I think that a compromise would be for the museums to acknowledge that the countries the art/artifacts were taken from have ownership, and that the plundered countries could place the items on permanent loan to the museums. Having the pieces in museums shares them with a wider audience to appreciate and, for the most part, are protected from damage and further theft.
Yes, it is complicated. I think that a compromise would be for the museums to acknowledge that the countries the art/artifacts were taken from have ownership, and that the plundered countries could place the items on permanent loan to the museums. Having the pieces in museums shares them with a wider audience to appreciate and, for the most part, are protected from damage and further theft.
Yes, it is complicated. I think that a compromise would be for the museums to acknowledge that the countries the art/artifacts were taken from have ownership, and that the plundered countries could place the items on permanent loan to the museums. Having the pieces in museums shares them with a wider audience to appreciate and, for the most part, are protected from damage and further theft.
enjoyed every photo – every line. Very familiar with the BM and the “issue” of where did it come from and what should be done about who owns it? My much researched and considered “opinion” is that we can not unscramble the egg. to what point in time would we like to move back all of the national boundary lines, property ownership and object placement… but, it gives a lot of people something to do to think about it and it certainly keeps the lawyers busy. Another related issue now coming up in the UK is the massive amounts of goods that are stored in the major museums and rarely if ever seen. Thereis a movement afoot to “get it out” where it can be seen into the provences using in many cases currently unused properties, many of which are now owned by munipal governnments or trusts of one kind or another. Many issues to do with all of this of course but the Brits are a very “volunteering” culture and I think we will eventually see a lot happening on this front. A well researched article Julie – I continue to enjoy your “back stories” from your travels last year. On my way to London again next week to see the Modigliani at the Tate Modern and then to ST Ives to see a new exhibit on the art works inspired by the writings of Va Woolf… whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Va.
enjoyed every photo – every line. Very familiar with the BM and the “issue” of where did it come from and what should be done about who owns it? My much researched and considered “opinion” is that we can not unscramble the egg. to what point in time would we like to move back all of the national boundary lines, property ownership and object placement… but, it gives a lot of people something to do to think about it and it certainly keeps the lawyers busy. Another related issue now coming up in the UK is the massive amounts of goods that are stored in the major museums and rarely if ever seen. Thereis a movement afoot to “get it out” where it can be seen into the provences using in many cases currently unused properties, many of which are now owned by munipal governnments or trusts of one kind or another. Many issues to do with all of this of course but the Brits are a very “volunteering” culture and I think we will eventually see a lot happening on this front. A well researched article Julie – I continue to enjoy your “back stories” from your travels last year. On my way to London again next week to see the Modigliani at the Tate Modern and then to ST Ives to see a new exhibit on the art works inspired by the writings of Va Woolf… whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Va.
enjoyed every photo – every line. Very familiar with the BM and the “issue” of where did it come from and what should be done about who owns it? My much researched and considered “opinion” is that we can not unscramble the egg. to what point in time would we like to move back all of the national boundary lines, property ownership and object placement… but, it gives a lot of people something to do to think about it and it certainly keeps the lawyers busy. Another related issue now coming up in the UK is the massive amounts of goods that are stored in the major museums and rarely if ever seen. Thereis a movement afoot to “get it out” where it can be seen into the provences using in many cases currently unused properties, many of which are now owned by munipal governnments or trusts of one kind or another. Many issues to do with all of this of course but the Brits are a very “volunteering” culture and I think we will eventually see a lot happening on this front. A well researched article Julie – I continue to enjoy your “back stories” from your travels last year. On my way to London again next week to see the Modigliani at the Tate Modern and then to ST Ives to see a new exhibit on the art works inspired by the writings of Va Woolf… whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Va.
enjoyed every photo – every line. Very familiar with the BM and the “issue” of where did it come from and what should be done about who owns it? My much researched and considered “opinion” is that we can not unscramble the egg. to what point in time would we like to move back all of the national boundary lines, property ownership and object placement… but, it gives a lot of people something to do to think about it and it certainly keeps the lawyers busy. Another related issue now coming up in the UK is the massive amounts of goods that are stored in the major museums and rarely if ever seen. Thereis a movement afoot to “get it out” where it can be seen into the provences using in many cases currently unused properties, many of which are now owned by munipal governnments or trusts of one kind or another. Many issues to do with all of this of course but the Brits are a very “volunteering” culture and I think we will eventually see a lot happening on this front. A well researched article Julie – I continue to enjoy your “back stories” from your travels last year. On my way to London again next week to see the Modigliani at the Tate Modern and then to ST Ives to see a new exhibit on the art works inspired by the writings of Va Woolf… whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Va.
enjoyed every photo – every line. Very familiar with the BM and the “issue” of where did it come from and what should be done about who owns it? My much researched and considered “opinion” is that we can not unscramble the egg. to what point in time would we like to move back all of the national boundary lines, property ownership and object placement… but, it gives a lot of people something to do to think about it and it certainly keeps the lawyers busy. Another related issue now coming up in the UK is the massive amounts of goods that are stored in the major museums and rarely if ever seen. Thereis a movement afoot to “get it out” where it can be seen into the provences using in many cases currently unused properties, many of which are now owned by munipal governnments or trusts of one kind or another. Many issues to do with all of this of course but the Brits are a very “volunteering” culture and I think we will eventually see a lot happening on this front. A well researched article Julie – I continue to enjoy your “back stories” from your travels last year. On my way to London again next week to see the Modigliani at the Tate Modern and then to ST Ives to see a new exhibit on the art works inspired by the writings of Va Woolf… whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Va.
enjoyed every photo – every line. Very familiar with the BM and the “issue” of where did it come from and what should be done about who owns it? My much researched and considered “opinion” is that we can not unscramble the egg. to what point in time would we like to move back all of the national boundary lines, property ownership and object placement… but, it gives a lot of people something to do to think about it and it certainly keeps the lawyers busy. Another related issue now coming up in the UK is the massive amounts of goods that are stored in the major museums and rarely if ever seen. Thereis a movement afoot to “get it out” where it can be seen into the provences using in many cases currently unused properties, many of which are now owned by munipal governnments or trusts of one kind or another. Many issues to do with all of this of course but the Brits are a very “volunteering” culture and I think we will eventually see a lot happening on this front. A well researched article Julie – I continue to enjoy your “back stories” from your travels last year. On my way to London again next week to see the Modigliani at the Tate Modern and then to ST Ives to see a new exhibit on the art works inspired by the writings of Va Woolf… whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Va.
Funny, I was thinking the same as you, as I was scrolling through all your lovely photos. It’s a difficult question. On one hand, the countries who lost a piece of their history have the right to get the stolen items back. On the other hand, being able to see these treasures in person helps bring understanding and appreciation to a long ago and possibly extinct culture. Its a complex question. Speaking of lovely photos – my favorite is the photo of your reflection set in the Rosetta stone. I’m sure it was unintentional but it came out awesomely cool!
Funny, I was thinking the same as you, as I was scrolling through all your lovely photos. It’s a difficult question. On one hand, the countries who lost a piece of their history have the right to get the stolen items back. On the other hand, being able to see these treasures in person helps bring understanding and appreciation to a long ago and possibly extinct culture. Its a complex question. Speaking of lovely photos – my favorite is the photo of your reflection set in the Rosetta stone. I’m sure it was unintentional but it came out awesomely cool!
Funny, I was thinking the same as you, as I was scrolling through all your lovely photos. It’s a difficult question. On one hand, the countries who lost a piece of their history have the right to get the stolen items back. On the other hand, being able to see these treasures in person helps bring understanding and appreciation to a long ago and possibly extinct culture. Its a complex question. Speaking of lovely photos – my favorite is the photo of your reflection set in the Rosetta stone. I’m sure it was unintentional but it came out awesomely cool!
Funny, I was thinking the same as you, as I was scrolling through all your lovely photos. It’s a difficult question. On one hand, the countries who lost a piece of their history have the right to get the stolen items back. On the other hand, being able to see these treasures in person helps bring understanding and appreciation to a long ago and possibly extinct culture. Its a complex question. Speaking of lovely photos – my favorite is the photo of your reflection set in the Rosetta stone. I’m sure it was unintentional but it came out awesomely cool!
Funny, I was thinking the same as you, as I was scrolling through all your lovely photos. It’s a difficult question. On one hand, the countries who lost a piece of their history have the right to get the stolen items back. On the other hand, being able to see these treasures in person helps bring understanding and appreciation to a long ago and possibly extinct culture. Its a complex question. Speaking of lovely photos – my favorite is the photo of your reflection set in the Rosetta stone. I’m sure it was unintentional but it came out awesomely cool!
Funny, I was thinking the same as you, as I was scrolling through all your lovely photos. It’s a difficult question. On one hand, the countries who lost a piece of their history have the right to get the stolen items back. On the other hand, being able to see these treasures in person helps bring understanding and appreciation to a long ago and possibly extinct culture. Its a complex question. Speaking of lovely photos – my favorite is the photo of your reflection set in the Rosetta stone. I’m sure it was unintentional but it came out awesomely cool!
As long as these treasures are safe, let them be. Enough have been lost. Yes, get those hidden objects on view…in free museums. Not everyone can get to the original sites. Traveling exhibits are special treats.
As long as these treasures are safe, let them be. Enough have been lost. Yes, get those hidden objects on view…in free museums. Not everyone can get to the original sites. Traveling exhibits are special treats.
As long as these treasures are safe, let them be. Enough have been lost. Yes, get those hidden objects on view…in free museums. Not everyone can get to the original sites. Traveling exhibits are special treats.
As long as these treasures are safe, let them be. Enough have been lost. Yes, get those hidden objects on view…in free museums. Not everyone can get to the original sites. Traveling exhibits are special treats.
As long as these treasures are safe, let them be. Enough have been lost. Yes, get those hidden objects on view…in free museums. Not everyone can get to the original sites. Traveling exhibits are special treats.
As long as these treasures are safe, let them be. Enough have been lost. Yes, get those hidden objects on view…in free museums. Not everyone can get to the original sites. Traveling exhibits are special treats.
I remember visiting the British Museum when I was a child and it blew my mind. I still think it’s one of the best museums on Earth.