Looted Colonial Artifacts in the Dutch Royal Family Collection, Exit Interview With Lonnie Bunch III, and More: Morning Links for May 29, 2026
A report commissioned by the Netherlands’ Foundation for the Royal Private Collections examining about 1,000 objects found that a small number of items in the Dutch royal family’s holdings—such as a gold amulet necklace and historical weapons from Indonesia—may have been acquired illegally during the colonial era. Queen Máxima, chair of the foundation, welcomed the findings and said careful handling of colonial objects is essential, with negotiations for returns to countries of origin expected to begin soon. Separately, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III told the New York Times that the Smithsonian Castle exhibition “American Aspirations,” opening in June for the United States’ 250th anniversary, is “probably the last exhibition” he will curate, amid speculation about political pressure and board changes. The roundup also notes that the Getty Center will close for a year starting March 2027 for renovations including entry and tram upgrades, a new garden café, and sustainability improvements.
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This story was covered in Storage Seizures and Restitution Reckonings