Accra, Ghana – The Institute Museum of Ghana proudly announces its commitment to leading global efforts for the restitution of West African cultural artefacts and the preservation of Ghana’s national treasures. Established in November 2020 as an extension of the renowned Noldor Artist Residency program, the museum has been dedicated to the research and presentation of contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora. The Institute Museum of Ghana seeks to spearhead initiatives aimed at reclaiming artefacts of suspected West African origin from institutions worldwide, furthering its mission to honour and safeguard cultural heritage.

In the wake of the museum’s recent success, including Bold: An Exhibition in Honour of Legendary British-Ghanaian Photographer, James Barnor, and the continued partnership with ABSA’s prestigious L’Atelier Art Prize, the Institute Museum of Ghana remains steadfast in its mission to address barriers to access and opportunities within the Ghanaian and African art ecosystems. The museum seeks to establish the restitution of West African artefacts as a critical component within the global art historical canon, fostering international dialogue through active research, advocacy, and awareness.

As the Institute Museum of Ghana approaches its fourth anniversary, it continues to execute bold and impactful programs designed to preserve cultural heritage. With a dynamic exhibition calendar, the museum supports a wide array of artistic expressions—from dance and performance to traditional media—emphasizing socially engaged practices and gender parity. It remains in constant dialogue with the vitality of its Noldor residency program, creating a symbiotic relationship that balances the preservation of the past with a forward-looking approach to contemporary art.

Among the many treasures being prioritized for restitution are the Benin Bronzes and the Asante Gold Regalia. The Benin Bronzes, consisting of sculptures and plaques from the Kingdom of Benin, are currently held in major institutions such as the British Museum, the Ethnological Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, having been looted during the British Expedition of 1897. The Asante Gold Regalia, renowned for its intricate gold ornaments from the Asante Kingdom, is housed at the British Museum, Musée du Quai Branly, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, many of which were acquired during the colonial period.

The Institute Museum of Ghana recognizes the necessity of regional collaboration to achieve the restitution of these artefacts. The museum is actively seeking partnerships with organizations like the Institute of African Studies and the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana, the Ghana Heritage Committee, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), and Goethe Institut, among others. Through joint initiatives such as research projects, travelling exhibitions, and academic conferences like the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa’s (MIASA) conference on Restitution, Museums, and Cultural Policies in West Africa, the museum aims to create a robust platform for advocacy.

As the Institute Museum of Ghana celebrates its fourth anniversary, it reaffirms its unwavering dedication to cultural heritage preservation and artefact restitution. With continued determination and collaboration, the museum looks forward to reclaiming cultural artefacts and ensuring the West African legacy endures for generations to come.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements.

Media Contact:
The Institute Museum of Ghana
Email: info@noldorresidency.com