Newsmakers

A museum in Scotland has removed several ancient Egyptian mummified remains from public display, citing ethical concerns over the exhibition of human remains without documented consent from the deceased individuals or their descendants.

The decision by Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow has sparked debate over museum ethics, historical education and whether human remains should continue to be displayed when the wishes of the deceased are unknown.

According to reports published on October 22, the exhibits removed include a mummified male head, a right foot, a mummified right hand recovered from Egypt’s Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and a painted coffin containing the remains of an ancient Egyptian priest named Nekht.

The remains are believed to be thousands of years old. A notice placed at the museum informed visitors that the human remains had been removed from the display “as a mark of respect”.

Why Did the Museum Remove the Mummies?
Glasgow Life, the charitable organisation responsible for operating the city’s museums, said the decision reflects contemporary museum practices and evolving ethical standards concerning the treatment of human remains.

According to the organisation, its draft Human Remains Policy proposes that human remains should be displayed only when documented and informed consent from the deceased individual is available or, where appropriate, consent has been obtained from their descendants.

“In the absence of such consent, we believe removing ancient Egyptian human remains from display is more respectful to the deceased individuals,” a Glasgow Life spokesperson said.

The organisation also referred to the revised Code of Ethics published by the International Council of Museums in June 2026. The guidelines emphasise the importance of upholding the inherent dignity of human remains and treating them with respect.

A 2025 report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Afrikan Reparations also raised concerns about displaying ancient Egyptian human remains without adequately considering the wishes of the deceased and the intentions of the communities that originally buried them.

More Human Remains Could Be Removed
The decision is not limited to the Egyptian exhibits already taken off display. Glasgow Life has said work is underway to remove additional archaeological human remains from the History Discovery Centre and the Scotland’s Early People gallery at Kelvingrove.

A coffin and mummified human remains displayed at the nearby St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art are also due to be removed from public view.

The move reflects a broader debate within the museum sector about how institutions should balance the educational and historical value of human remains with cultural sensitivities, respect for the dead and the ethical questions surrounding their collection and exhibition.

Decision Sparks Criticism
The museum’s decision has drawn criticism from some politicians and commentators, who argue that removing the remains could limit opportunities for visitors, particularly children, to learn about ancient civilisations.

Scottish Conservative culture spokesman Murdo Fraser criticised the move, arguing that museums should showcase history rather than remove exhibits in response to changing social attitudes.

Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education and a former adviser to the UK government’s Policy Unit, also condemned the decision, questioning how consent could be obtained from people who died thousands of years ago.

However, the debate has also highlighted the ethical responsibilities of museums towards the people whose remains they preserve and display.

The controversy raises a broader question for cultural institutions worldwide: should the educational importance of ancient human remains take precedence, or should respect for the deceased and their descendants determine whether such remains are exhibited?