The Benin Dialogue Group focuses on artworks and cultural objects from the former Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria. These include sculptures, ivory carvings, and other objects associated with the royal court. A large number of these works reached Europe following the violent looting of Benin City by British troops in 1897 and are now held in museums around the world.
The Benin Dialogue Group brings together museums from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, along with representatives of the Edo State Government, the Royal Court of Benin, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria. The group was established to encourage open discussion about the Benin-objects and cultural belongings held in participating collections, and to develop shared perspectives on the future stewardship of this cultural heritage. A particular focus has been the question of a permanent display of these objects in Nigeria. Discussions on issues of restitution, object histories, and international cooperation were deepened over the course of the collaboration.
A key outcome of this collaboration to date is the Digital Benin project. The digital initiative documents and compiles Benin collections as well as photographic and documentary archives from museums worldwide, making them accessible through an online platform.
The question of the restitution of Benin objects is a central area of engagement within the group. As the participating museums are based in different countries and operate within different legal frameworks, restitutions are complex and must be negotiated bilaterally. In this context, the Benin Dialogue Group serves as a forum for exchange, networking, and mutual support throughout this multifaceted process.