Museum Removes Mummies, Citing Lack of Consent From the Dead

WHO:

Newsweek - A museum spokesperson commented on the removal of human remains.

NY Post - The article reports that the museum was criticized for removing a mummy.

WHAT:

Newsweek - Mummies were removed from a museum.

Newsweek - A spokesperson said, “The removal of human remains...reflects contemporary museum practice.”

NY Post - The museum was criticized after removing a mummy because it lacked consent.

NY Post - The article describes the criticism as calling the decision “Woke nonsense” and accusing the museum of “stupidity and ignorance.”

WHY:

Newsweek - The removal was linked to contemporary museum practice.

NY Post - The mummy was removed over a lack of consent from the dead.

HOW:

Newsweek - The museum removed human remains from display.

NY Post - The article says mummies might not curse people who defile their remains, but argues that this does not mean the remains should be displayed.

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 19:22 UTC)

A museum has removed mummies and other human remains from display, prompting criticism over its decision. The museum’s spokesperson said the removal reflects contemporary museum practice. Critics, however, objected to the removal of a mummy because the person whose remains were displayed had not consented. Some called the decision “Woke nonsense” and accused the museum of “stupidity and ignorance.” The debate centers on whether human remains should remain on public display when consent is absent. One argument against the criticism is that mummies may not curse people who disturb their remains. But critics of display say the absence of a curse does not settle the question of whether the remains should be shown. The museum has framed its actions as consistent with current practices for handling human remains.