In an attempt to move beyond recent controversy, the British Museum is displaying ten recovered items – including gemstones – that were stolen as part of a long-running heist.
In August, the British Museum announced that nearly 2,000 objects had been stolen, damaged or disappeared from its stores in one of the most shocking stories of the year.
About 350 objects have been recovered so far, and in a new exhibition dedicated to ancient Roman and Greek culture, 10 of these items will be on display.
The new exhibition will display a further 500 items that were not involved in the crime, with previously stolen items in their own display case and cataloged.
George Osborne, Chairman of the Museum's Board of Trustees, said BBC The exhibition was an example of “cultural change” within the institution.
“We promised to show the world the stolen and recovered jewels, instead of hiding them,” he said.
It is believed the thefts occurred over a period of 20 years and that the museum was alerted to the alleged sale of stolen items in 2021 but failed to take any action.
The museum was repeatedly alerted to the theft by art dealer and collector Itay Gradel. Gradel said he was pleased with recent efforts to recover from the controversy.
“I am also very pleased to see that the entire culture of the organization seems to be changing to one that is more open and willing to confront problems than I encountered in 2021,” he said.
In the wake of the controversy, director Hartwig Fischer resigned, and former V&A Museum director Sir Mark Jones was appointed to the interim period.
Police investigations into the thefts are still ongoing. The British Museum is located in London and is over 260 years old.
Further reading
The British Museum's reputation is being challenged by jewelery theft
Jewelry and precious stones stolen from the British Museum
A priest is arrested for stealing gold jewelry worth $100 million
Freeze! A Polish man is facing time behind bars for a brazen jewelry theft
The legendary jewels of the Pharaohs arrive in Australia
History in the Making: Australia showcases ancient Egyptian jewellery
