Bordeaux refuses donations of artworks from seven African countries

Bordeaux – 01.06.2026: The city of Bordeaux officially declined on June 1, 2026, to accept a private donation of 53 art objects from seven African countries. This decision allows these works to be returned directly to their countries of origin, especially to Gabon, which will receive back 33 items from the collection.

The collection was assembled by Marie-Thérèse Petit, a former midwife from Bordeaux who worked in several African countries between 1947 and 1982. She passed away in 2022, leaving the collection to the city. The objects, including artworks and jewelry, were kept in the Musée d’Aquitaine and come from Gabon, Nigeria, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and Togo.

The city of Bordeaux’s decision is an important step in the ongoing discussions about the return of African cultural assets that were taken to Europe during the colonial period. It complies with French legislation enacted in May 2026 regarding the return of cultural assets that were unlawfully seized.

The return of 33 objects from Gabon, which belong to the Togo people, is considered a historic event for the country. These works have great cultural significance and will be exhibited at the Musée national des Arts, Rites et Traditions in Libreville.

Bordeaux’s decision to reject the donation provides an opportunity for the interested states to collaborate directly with French authorities to coordinate the return of their cultural assets. This promotes international cooperation and dialogue regarding the return of cultural objects that were taken to Europe during the colonial period.

This development is part of a broader process in which several African countries demand the return of cultural assets from European museums. France has made several returns in recent years, including returning 90 objects to Gabon in January 2024.

Bordeaux’s decision to refuse the donation is seen as a positive example in the matter of returning cultural assets and may serve as a model for other European cities engaged in similar discussions. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the interested countries and French authorities to ensure the return of cultural assets.

The return of these objects is viewed not only as a cultural achievement for Gabon but also as a step towards healing historical wounds and promoting cultural exchange between Europe and Africa. It symbolizes the recognition of the significance of the cultural heritage of the concerned countries and the responsibility of former colonial powers to respect and return this heritage.