From Benin to Zurich - and back

Description

In 1897, British troops attacked the Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria. They deposed the king, burned down the capital, and looted thousands of royal objects from the palace. In Europe, the artifacts were introduced to the art market as "Benin Bronzes." 14 of them also entered the collection of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich in 1940. Provenance research on the Benin objects at the Ethnographic Museum led to the university returning them to Nigeria in June 2026. How did the research progress? How was the decision made regarding the return? And what are the consequences, in the museum, in Switzerland, and also in Nigeria? An event in cooperation with the Center for Lifelong Learning of the University of Zurich. Guest Alexis Malefakis, Curator of Africa at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich Leadership/Moderation Csongor Kozma, Director of Paulus Academy Participation fee (including lunch and drink) CHF 30 / CHF 20* * for members of the Paulus Academy Supporters' Association and FKSZ, with KulturLegi, AHV/IV or student ID. For organizational reasons, please register by Wednesday, October 28, 2026.