Should Museums Return Objects?

In partnership with Sheffield Museums & TALKSHOP

Take part in an evening discussion to explore what historic acquisitions mean for museums and how they should be approached today. 

Museums and collections around the world hold objects acquired through various means, including colonial appropriation. There is a growing movement to repatriate these objects to their places of origin. The issue is – no surprise! – complicated. Should they or shouldn’t they? If so, which objects? 

Come along to this evening discussion workshop as part of the Festival of Debate. When you arrive, you’ll be given a character of a leading player in these debates. In groups, you’ll be invited to discuss the positions of the various characters, and help us find common ground and a shared way forward between all the characters. 

The session will be facilitated by Perry Walker of TALKSHOP for the Festival of Debate, and is part of a programme of displays, events and activities celebrating 150 years of Weston Park Museum in 2025.

Event Format & Information

• Doors open 5:30pm, start time 6pm
• Introduction from the host
• Workshop where people sit and discuss in groups - participation is expected.
• Break with free hot drinks.
• Whole group discussion, facilitated by host.
• End time 8pm

Accessibility

Accessibility information for Weston Park Museum can be found on AccessAble & sheffieldmuseums.org.uk. 

• Seating: Unreserved seating is available at this event, but if you’d like us to reserve a seat for you or you have specific requirements, please get in touch.
• Masks: FFP2 masks will be available for free.
• Audio: Microphones will be used at this event.
• Quiet space: A dedicated quiet space is not available at this event. There are benches elsewhere in the gallery which participants can use to take a break.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility for this event, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].