FMSH Launches “Restitutions: Another Definition of the World” Conference Series in Paris
Paris, April 12, 2026 – The Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH) in Paris has announced a new series of seven conferences titled “Restitutions. Another Definition of the World.” These events, scheduled from April 2026 to June 2027, will provide an open forum for dialogue between experts and the public on the complex issue of cultural property restitution, particularly concerning African artifacts.
A Series Rooted in Contemporary Debates
The conference series, part of the FMSH’s “Arts – Worlds in Action, Worlds in Reflection” program, will take place at the foundation’s headquarters at 54 boulevard Raspail in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. This initiative comes at a crucial time, following significant legislative developments in France regarding the restitution of cultural goods. In 2017, President Emmanuel Macron publicly committed to policies supporting the restitution of African cultural property. Since then, two laws were adopted in 2023, and a third framework law was passed by the Senate in 2026, progressively establishing a legal framework to guide these processes.
This evolving context serves as the foundation for the FMSH’s program. The Île-de-France region, and indeed France as a whole, is closely monitoring these discussions, which involve collective memory, diplomatic relations, and international cultural ties.
Beyond Legal Frameworks: A Broader Reflection
By addressing the issue of cultural heritage restitution, the FMSH aims to move beyond a purely legal perspective. The series seeks to broaden the discussion to encompass deeper questions about how history is written, how relationships between peoples are re-evaluated, and how diverse voices can be heard on a subject that directly impacts Paris, a city home to several major museum institutions at the heart of debates surrounding the ownership of colonial-era collections.
Open Dialogue Between Researchers and the Public
The “Restitutions. Another Definition of the World” series embodies the FMSH’s commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue, connecting academic knowledge with societal concerns, and creating spaces where research informs public debate. These conferences in Paris are invaluable opportunities for anyone wishing to learn more and engage in in-depth discussions.
The chosen theme intersects with various fields, including history, law, anthropology, and international relations. By bringing together speakers from diverse backgrounds, the series aims to provide the public with essential insights into a complex debate that is often reduced to its controversial aspects but is rich in nuances and new perspectives on what it means to return and acknowledge.
Active Participation Encouraged
Throughout the seven sessions planned between 2026 and 2027, the public will be invited to actively participate in the exchanges. This participatory dimension is central to the FMSH’s approach, which views these meetings not merely as academic lectures but as genuine spaces for intellectual co-construction. Public questions will enrich collective reflection and contribute to charting new perspectives on the shared history between Europe and Africa.
Event Details
- Organizer: Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH)
- Location: 54 boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris
- Dates: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to Wednesday, June 30, 2027
- Contact: 07 61 30 82 17, [email protected]
- Website: www.fmsh.fr
The FMSH encourages all interested individuals to attend these crucial discussions that aim to redefine our understanding of the world through the lens of cultural restitution.
Source: https://www.jds.fr/paris/manifestations/conferences/cycle-de-rencontres-sur-les-restitutions-de-biens-culturels-a-la-fondation-maison-des-sciences-de-l-homme-de-paris-1458862_A
