Europe's Museums Confront the (Literal) Skeletons in Their Closets

European museums are increasingly facing a critical reckoning regarding human remains held in their collections, many of which were acquired during colonial eras. These artifacts were historically used to support and justify debunked scientific theories regarding race and hierarchy. Institutions are now grappling with the ethical implications of displaying these remains and the need to address the racist ideologies they represent. This movement reflects a broader shift towards decolonizing museum practices, re-evaluating provenance, and considering the repatriation of ancestral remains to their communities of origin. The article highlights the tension between preserving historical records and acknowledging the harm caused by past anthropological methods that dehumanized specific populations.