Should European museums return ancient artifacts to the countries they were taken from?

This contentious cultural issue, often termed 'restitution,' debates whether Western institutions like the British Museum or the Louvre should return high-profile items such as the Benin Bronzes or Parthenon Sculptures to their places of origin. Proponents view repatriation as a necessary step in decolonization, arguing that keeping looted heritage perpetuates historical injustice. Opponents argue that 'universal museums' protect global heritage in secure environments and that applying modern moral standards to historical acquisitions undermines the legality of museum collections.