UNESCO Unveils First Virtual Museum Showcasing Stolen Cultural Heritage

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

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Paris, September 30 (QNA) UNESCO has inaugurated the world’s first virtual museum dedicated to stolen cultural objects during the MONDIACULT 2025 conference in Barcelona, marking a milestone in global efforts to combat looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The innovative platform employs advanced technologies, including 3D modeling and virtual reality, to digitally reconstruct and display stolen artefacts submitted by member states. Beyond showcasing these objects, the museum provides educational material, community testimonies, and historical context, emphasizing their cultural value and the damage caused by their removal.
A dedicated section highlights successful restitution cases, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and best practices in the return of cultural heritage.
Currently, the museum exhibits more than 200 cultural objects, ranging from architectural fragments and ancient inscriptions to rare manuscripts, currencies, musical instruments, and books. These digital reconstructions aim to raise awareness about stolen heritage while fostering collective responsibility for its protection.
Among the prominent exhibits are four bronze Arhats dating back to China’s Ming dynasty, each with unique characteristics. Their inclusion reflects UNESCO’s commitment to giving visibility to emblematic pieces and mobilizing global action for heritage restitution and preservation.