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

Explore the intriguing and often controversial presence of Egyptian human remains in European museums.

Drawing from her book, Mummified: The Stories Behind Egyptian Mummies in Museums, Dr Angela Stienne will be travelling over from Paris to Derby to discuss why these ancient bodies ended up in glass cases far from their homeland and what this tells us about our own cultural and historical narratives. Dr Stienne will question the motivations behind the collection and display of mummified remains and consider the ethical implications of their continued presence in museums today.

Through captivating stories and historical insights, Dr Stienne will take you on a journey from the Musée du Louvre to the British Museum, unraveling the complex history of Egyptian mummies in Europe. Reflecting on how these remains have been used for everything from scientific research to popular fascination, and how contemporary debates over ethical curation challenge us to rethink the role of museums in society. Join us as we uncover these stories and ask the critical question: why do we still have Egyptian human remains in European museums today?

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