Bordeaux refuses donation of artworks from seven African countries

Bordeaux – 01.06.2026: The city of Bordeaux officially rejected a private donation of 53 art objects from seven African countries on June 1, 2026. This decision enables these works to be directly returned to their countries of origin, particularly to Gabon, which receives 33 pieces from the collection back.

The collection was assembled by Marie-Thérèse Petit, a former midwife from Bordeaux who worked in various African countries between 1947 and 1982. She died in 2022 and bequeathed the collection to the city. The objects, including artworks and jewelry, have since been kept at the Musée d’Aquitaine and come from Gabon, Nigeria, Niger, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and Togo.

The decision by the city of Bordeaux is an important step within the current debates about the restitution of African cultural goods brought to Europe during the colonial era. It aligns with the French legislation of May 2026 regarding the return of cultural goods acquired unlawfully.

The return of the 33 objects from Gabon, attributed to the Tsogo people, is seen as a historic moment for the country. These works hold great cultural significance and are exhibited at the Musée national des Arts, Rites et Traditions in Libreville.

Bordeaux’s decision to reject the donation makes it possible for the countries involved to cooperate directly with the French authorities to coordinate the restitution of their cultural goods. This promotes international cooperation and dialogue about the return of cultural goods brought to Europe during the colonial period.

This development is part of a broader process in which multiple African countries demand the return of cultural goods from European museums. France has already carried out several restitutions in recent years, including the transfer of 90 objects to Gabon in January 2024.

Bordeaux’s decision to reject the donation is seen as a positive example for the return of cultural goods and could serve as a model for other European cities conducting similar debates. It highlights the importance of cooperation between the involved countries and the French authorities to enable restitution.

The return of these objects is not only seen as a cultural gain for Gabon but also as a step toward healing historical wounds and promoting cultural exchange between Europe and Africa. It symbolizes the recognition of the importance of the cultural heritage of the affected countries and the responsibility of the former colonial powers to respect and return this heritage.