Opinions on the display of human remains in museums

We recently noticed this article about Manchester Museum asking visitors whether it should continue to display the body of an ancient Egyptian woman.

This reminded us of a related question we asked in the Cultural Participation Monitor (in March 2024): To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ‘Museums in the UK shouldn’t display human remains (e.g. mummies, ‘shrunked heads’ etc)’.

Here’s what members of the public said:
 

Most disagreed (72%), with only 19% agreeing. 

Some groups, however, were more likely to agree than overall: 34% of 25-34 year olds, 32% from Asian/Asian British backgrounds, 48% from Black/Black British backgrounds*, 27% of those with children and 23% of Senior Managers for example. 25% of those with an interest in history and heritage also agreed.

It’s likely that presentation of the question at Manchester Museum within the exhibition will result in a more positive response. It’s being asked about a specified, named, individual (Asru), rather than as an abstract principle, and alongside discussion of decolonisation of museum collections. Manchester Museum also has a notable track record of recognising their obligations to communities whose collections they hold (for example return of cultural heritage to the Anindilyakwa People). This might also make visitors more likely to agree.

What the response to the question in the Cultural Participation Monitor does suggest, however, is that Manchester Museum can be seen to be leading, rather than following, public opinion by posing the question. We’ll be interested to see what the public say in this instance, but also how attitudes continue to evolve.