Benin Bronzes: Why Museums Are Returning Them Now

Food in Bowls Standing in front of Carved Figurines of Deities

Boston, August 2025 — The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston just announced the return of 31 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. But why are these artifacts, held for over a century, suddenly being sent home? The answer reveals a dramatic shift in how museums confront colonial injustice—and why this movement is reshaping cultural heritage worldwide.

The Trigger: A Violent Colonial Theft

The Benin Bronzes were stolen during Britain’s brutal 1897 raid on Benin City. British forces burned palaces, killed civilians, and looted thousands of sacred artworks—scattering them across Europe and America. For decades, museums displayed these treasures without acknowledging their traumatic origins.

Why Now? 3 Forces Driving Restitution

Global Pressure & Moral Accountability
Institutions face mounting demands to address colonial-era theft. Nigeria’s formal claims, activist campaigns (like RestitutionNow), and UNESCO’s ethical guidelines have made retention untenable.

Nigerian Leadership
Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the Royal Court of Benin have spearheaded diplomatic efforts. Their persistence—and plans for the new Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA)—gave museums a clear path for return.
The “Domino Effect”
Landmark returns by Germany (1,100+ bronzes), the Smithsonian, France, and others isolated holdouts. The MFA’s move pressures institutions like the British Museum (holding 900+ bronzes) to follow suit.

What Did the MFA Boston Return?

28 bronzes: plaques, figures, and ceremonial objects.
3 additional artifacts looted in 1897.
All were acquired decades after the raid, often via private donors.

Why This Matters Beyond Symbolism

Corrects Historical Violence: Restitution acknowledges the Bronzes as spoils of war, not “collectibles.”
Empowers Origin Communities: Nigeria controls the narrative and future display at EMOWAA.
Sets a Legal Precedent: Transfers formal ownership, challenging museums’ claims to “guardianship.”

The Bigger Picture: A Sea Change in Museums

The MFA joins a global wave of over 20 institutions returning Benin Bronzes since 2022. This reflects a broader reckoning:

“Museums can no longer hide behind ‘preservation’ to justify holding looted art. The future is ethical stewardship—and that means return.” — Dr. Abba Isa Tijani, Director-General, NCMM Nigeria

What’s Next?

The returned bronzes will go to Nigeria, with many displayed at EMOWAA—a state-of-the-art museum opening in Benin City in 2026. Meanwhile, pressure builds on institutions still resisting restitution.

The Bottom Line

Benin Bronzes are being returned because the age of colonial impunity is over. As MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum stated:

“This is not an act of generosity. It’s an act of justice.”