Visit the exhibition Unfinished Past: Return, Keep, or…? at the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam and explore the complex issue of collections dating from the colonial-era concerning ownership and restitution.

This exhibition unveils the origins of art objects and challenges visitors to reflect on ownership, value, and the ethical dilemmas that still shape museum collections today.

🌍 Restitution: A Growing Debate
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam actively engages in the discussion on restitution, a topic that has gained momentum in recent years. Many museum collections originate from the colonial era, when objects were often taken without consent. Today, the museum—alongside other institutions—is working toward responsible solutions.

📖 Research as a Foundation
The exhibition is based on the research project Pressing Matter: Ownership, Value and the Question of Colonial Heritage in Museums, in which scholars and artists examine crucial questions: How did these objects end up in European museums? Were they purchased, stolen, or donated? What roles did missionaries and researchers play? And most importantly—how should we handle this contested heritage?

This exhibition not only offers insight but invites visitors to reflect on the future of cultural heritage and the significance of restitution.

Are you ready to broaden your perspective? 🌱💭