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June 9, 2025

Network Publication of the Seminar on “Museums, Decolonisation, and Restitution” Released

ICOM-IMREC is delighted to announce the publication of the proceedings from the seminar Museums, Decolonisation, and Restitution: A Global Conversation. Held at Shanghai University on March 20–21, 2023, the seminar welcomed over 60 experts from 21 countries.

The event brought together museum professionals, academics, and policymakers to explore the intertwined issues of decolonisation and restitution. It provided a platform for global dialogue, with participants addressing challenges, sharing practices, and proposing strategies to confront colonial legacies in museums.

The seminar featured keynote speeches, thematic discussions, and specialized presentations. With over 140,000 online participants globally, it underscored the international museum community’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and justice.

The proceedings compile 21 scholarly papers that delve into:

  • Redefining museum practices to reflect anti-colonial principles.
  • Practical approaches to restitution and its integration with source communities.
  • Innovations in digital tools and platforms for restitution efforts.
  • Insights into systemic changes required to achieve meaningful decolonisation.

The publication is an essential resource for museum professionals, and anyone involved in the global conversation on decolonisation and restitution.

The proceedings are available for free download as a PDF in both English and Chinese.

Read the proceedings 

This publication marks another milestone in ICOM’s efforts to address historical injustices and foster collaborative approaches to these complex issues.

For more details about the seminar, including recorded sessions, visit our dedicated page.