Ancient Bodies, Contemporary Challenges: Debating the ethics of Egyptian mummified bodies in museums with Dr Angela Stienne

This summer, Derby Museums invites you to an evening of thought-provoking discussion on one of the most pressing questions in museum ethics today: what is an ethical display of Egyptian mummies in museums?

Returning to Derby for a second time, Egyptologist and museum ethics specialist Dr Angela Stienne will lead an engaging and interactive event exploring the complex, often controversial presence of ancient Egyptian human remains in European museums.

Building on her book Mummified: The stories behind Egyptian mummies in museums and the success of last year’s event, Dr Stienne will guide participants through current debates—from the impact of digital technologies like AI and CT scanning, to questions of translocation, museum collecting, and the representation of death and illness in museums, with one question in mind : why do we go see the dead bodies of others in museums today?

This is not a traditional lecture. Instead, you will be invited to take part in an open debate and be an active participant in your museum’s future! Whether you’re new to the topic or already familiar with the ethical issues at stake, this event offers a unique opportunity to reflect together on the role of museums, the responsibilities of curation, and the values we want to uphold when it comes to the display of the dead.

Join us after hours for an evening of meaningful dialogue in a beautiful setting—an experience that promises to challenge, inspire, and connect.

About Dr Angela Stienne

Dr Angela Stienne is a museum researcher, ethicist, and storyteller, working at the intersection of museum studies, medical humanities, and ethics. She is the founder of the project Mummy Stories (www.mummystories.com) that aims to make conversations on the ethics of human remains in museums accessible to all. She is the author of Mummified: The Stories Behind Egyptian Mummies in Museums (Manchester University Press, 2022). She works as a public speaker and communications consultant for leading museums and institutions, helping them make ethics conversations accessible and inclusive. She graduated from the University of Leicester and currently lives in Paris, France, where she is the founder of The Lyme Museum.

Suitable for adults, booking essential.

Accessibility at Derby Museums

Image © Dr Angela Stienne