Museum Under Fire for Removing Egyptian Mummies Due to Lack of 'Consent'

Glasgow Life, an arm’s-length charitable organization funded by SNP-run Glasgow City Council, has removed Egyptian mummies and other human remains from display at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The decision, citing a lack of "informed consent from the deceased individual," has drawn criticism and ignited a debate about contemporary museum practices.

Among the items removed are a painted coffin containing the remains of the priest Nekht, a mummified male head, a mummified right hand, and a mummified right foot. A sign at the museum now informs visitors: "We have removed human remains from this display as a mark of respect."

Glasgow Life stated that the removal of "human remains" reflects current museum practice, referencing the International Council of Museums’ revised Code of Ethics, which emphasizes upholding the "inherent dignity of human remains and promote respect for their significance." The organization also cited a 2025 report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Afrikan Reparations, "Laying Ancestors to Rest," which raises ethical concerns about displaying ancient Egyptian human remains due to potential disregard for the wishes of the deceased and their communities.

Glasgow Life Museums’ draft Human Remains Policy proposes that human remains should only be displayed with documented and informed consent from the deceased individual or their descendants. In the absence of such consent, the organization believes removing them from display is more respectful.

However, the move has been met with strong disapproval from some political figures and museum visitors. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Tory culture spokesman, condemned the decision as "woke madness at its most ridiculous," arguing that history should not be hidden away to appease modern sensibilities.

Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, described the action as "virtue-signalling, woke nonsense" and "the triumph of educational stupidity and ignorance." He argued that it is impossible to seek permission from individuals who died thousands of years ago and that visitors, particularly children, are being "short-changed."

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which opened in 1901 and attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually, has historically featured Egyptian mummies as a significant attraction, offering insights into ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs about the afterlife.

This is not the first controversy involving the council-funded arts scene in Glasgow. In 2009, a taxpayer-funded exhibition prompted condemnation from the Pope for urging visitors to deface the Bible.