Zurich's Museum Rietberg transfers 11 Benin Bronzes to Nigerian government

Zurich’s Museum Rietberg announced that it is transferring ownership of 11 Benin Bronzes from its permanent collection to the Republic of Nigeria, represented by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. Two key works—a commemorative bronze head from around 1850 and an 18th-century ivory tusk—will be physically returned to Nigeria, likely in summer 2026, while nine other objects will remain in Zurich as permanent loans despite the ownership change. Director Annette Bhagwati highlighted that Nigeria supported keeping some works in Switzerland so Benin history and artistry can continue to be presented there. The transfer follows research by the Benin Initiative Switzerland (launched in 2021), which concluded that 55 objects in Swiss museums were probably connected to the 1897 British raid and looting of Benin City.

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