The "Benin Bronzes" are going back to Nigeria
The Executive Board of the University has signed a restitution agreement concerning these culturally significant artefacts.
In March 2024, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in Nigeria submitted a formal restitution claim for 14 Benin artefacts held at the Ethnographic Museum. The claim was made on behalf of the Nigerian government.
In-depth provenance research conducted as part of the Benin Initiative Switzerland (BIS), established that they were most likely to have been looted in 1897. Based on these findings, the leadership of the University of Zurich approved the restitution request.
The Museum Rietberg in Zurich and the Musée d’ethnographie de Genève (MEG) are also returning looted cultural heritage from the Kingdom of Benin. The directors of the three museums, Annette Bhagwati (Museum Rietberg), Carine Ayélé Durand (MEG) and Alice Hertzog (VMZ), have issued a joint statement on the matter, available in the media release.
The Benin artefacts in our collection were on display until 8 March 2026 in the exhibition "Benin Dues". The 14 objects will be returned to Nigeria this summer. We will be collecting messages and wishes to send back with the artefacts. You are invited to contribute during our opening hours from 24 March to 7 April 2026.
The Benin artefacts in our collection were on display until 8 March 2026 in the exhibition "Benin Dues". The 14 objects will be returned to Nigeria this summer.
We will be collecting messages and wishes to send back with the artefacts. You are invited to contribute during our opening hours from 24 March to 7 April 2026.
Read the media release regarding the decision.
Here you find more about the transfer of ownership and restitution at the Museum Rietberg and the Musée d'ethnographie de Genève MEG.
The signing in the Zurich City Hall on 20 March 2026. Photos: Museum Rietberg, Matthias Willi.
Ethnographic Museum UZH