Weltkulturenmuseum

Benin. Retrospective/Perspectives. The collection at the Weltkulturen Museum

When and under what circumstances did the “Benin Bronzes” enter the collection of what was then known as the Völkermuseum?
20.07.2023 to 31.12.2023

Soundsources. Everything is Music

How does the setting affect the perception of what we hear? How do the environment, sound, people and music relate to each other?
10.11.2023 to 01.09.2024

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Ceremonial sword "Eben". Benin Empire, Nigeria. Dealer: Wiliam Ockelford Oldman. Collection Weltkulturen Museum
Figure of a rooster, Benin Empire, Nigeria. Dealer: William Ockelford Oldman. Collection Weltkulturen Museum

Benin. Retrospective/Perspectives. The collection at the Weltkulturen Museum

The objects known as the “Benin Bronzes” from present-day Nigeria occupy a central role in the debate about the restitution of cultural goods. The collection of the Weltkulturen Museum also contains over fifty objects made of metal, wood and ivory from the Kingdom of Benin (Nigeria). When and under what circumstances did they enter the collection of what was then known as the Völkermuseum?

A research project into provenance funded by the German Lost Art Foundation has been conducted at the Frankfurt museum in order to address these questions, exploring the complex ownership status behind these objects. While the first exhibition provides an insight into the research by means of biographies and archival material, the second exhibition will focus on various perspectives from Nigeria.

Part 1:
20 July – 24 September 2023
Opening: Wednesday, 19 July, 7pm

Part 2:
11 October - 31 December 2023
Opening: Tuesday, 10 October, 7pm

Weltkulturen Labor, Schaumainkai 37