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Conference - Meeting

Ancestors in Collections? Intersecting Perspectives on Scientific Challenges and Contemporary Responsibilities

This international conference will address the ethical, legal, scientific, cultural and political questions raised by human remains in heritage collections. 3-4 November 2026, MEG Auditorium.

Ancestral remains respectfully housed in grey storage boxes in the museum’s collections. Restes ancestraux conservés avec respect dans des boîtes de conditionnement, dans les réserves du musée.

Co-organised by the Musée d'ethnographie de Genève - MEG, the Museum Commission of the Swiss Anthropological Association, ARCAN Laboratory and Art-Law Centre at the University of Geneva, this international interdisciplinary conference will address the ethical, legal, scientific, cultural and political questions raised by human remains in museum, university, medical and heritage collections.
The conference will bring together researchers, museum professionals, representatives of source communities, artists and policymakers to discuss provenance, terminology, care, display, restitution, alternatives when return is not possible, and institutional responsibilities.

📍 MEG - Musée d’ethnographie de Genève
📅 3–4 November 2026
🎟️ Free admission, with prior registration
📩 Registration: ancestors.in.collections.meg@geneve.ch

More information on the programme will soon be published.

Dates and times

from Tuesday 3 November to Wednesday 4 November 2026

Event location

Location name
MEG
Address
Boulevard Carl-VOGT 65, 1205 Genève - 1200 Genève

Prices and conditions

Price

CHF 0

Organiser

Proposed by
Musée d'ethnographie de Genève (MEG)
Ancestral remains respectfully housed in grey storage boxes in the museum’s collections. Restes ancestraux conservés avec respect dans des boîtes de conditionnement, dans les réserves du musée.