Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has removed ancient Egyptian mummified remains from public display because the deceased left no documented consent. The decision follows updated ethics guidance and a draft policy that limits the exhibition of human remains without permission from the individual or their descendants.
The museum took the painted coffin containing the remains of the priest Nekht off view, along with a mummified male head, a mummified right hand recovered from the Valley of the Kings, and a mummified right foot. Nekht lived during Egypt’s 12th Dynasty, roughly between 1985 and 1797 BC, making the remains about 4,000 years old. The items had been part of the museum’s Egyptian collection since early in the last century. Visitors now see a sign stating that the remains were removed “as a mark of respect.”
Glasgow Life, which operates the museum, said the step reflects contemporary museum practice. The International Council of Museums revised its code of ethics in June 2026, stating that museums should uphold the inherent dignity of human remains. Glasgow Life’s draft Human Remains Policy proposes displaying remains only where there is documented and informed consent. In the absence of that consent, the organization said removal is more respectful. A separate Glasgow museum, The Hunterian, covered the remains of Lady Shep-En-Hor with a protective textile while leaving her sarcophagus on view.
The move has drawn mixed reactions. Some visitors expressed disappointment that a popular exhibit is no longer available, while others supported treating the remains with greater restraint.
