Economies of Atonement in the European Museum: Repatriation and the Post-rational

A critical analysis reveals how the 'Declaration on the Importance and Value of Universal Museums' (2002) employs rhetorical strategies to legitimize the possession of cultural artifacts, often acquired under imperial or neo-imperial conditions. The declaration, signed by major museums including those in Saint Petersburg, uses language of universality to obscure historical injustices while projecting a utopian future for these institutions. By framing objects as integral to national heritage, it sidesteps accountability for their acquisition histories, demonstrating how institutional interests are prioritized over ethical considerations in the context of global cultural heritage management.

Cox, E. (2015). Economies of Atonement in the European Museum: Repatriation and the Post-rational. Performances of Capitalism, Crises and Resistance, 211–231. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137379375_12