If it is true that, “most often, museums acquire objects with full cooperation from the originating country,” as stated in the article, “Bring Them Home,” artifacts then belong to the museum and should remain there for several reasons. Proper ownership is the one of the last things on the list. If a car is purchased correctly, it would seem ludicrous for the past owner to allege that the vehicle should be returned to him simply because he has a history with that car. There are more important reasons that museums should be permitted to hang on to legally acquired exhibits.
Museums were created for the safe keeping of the cultural artifacts. The head of the museum are “trained in the best ways to preserve and restore ancient art and other relics,” according to the article “Museums Preserve the Cultures of the World.” The knowledge of these curators may prevent further destruction of important displays. The museums keep objects safe from civil wars and allow other cultures to see.
The safe keeping of treasures in well maintained environments that offer opportunities for study to the largest number of people is the best place for these exhibits. Museums are open to the public and devoted to the maintenance of humanity’s riches and will always be the global history books.