Glasgow museums remove Egyptian mummy remains from display over ethical concerns

Two museums in Glasgow have removed Egyptian mummies from public display over ethical concerns, BBC News reported on October 23, 2026. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum removed the mummified corpse of the priest Nekht, while The Hunterian Museum covered the body of Lady Shep-En-Hor with a specially designed textile to hide it from visitors. [1]

Both institutions stated that the decisions follow a reassessment of their duty of care toward the deceased, according to BBC News. The actions come after the International Council of Museums revised its code of ethics to recommend upholding the inherent dignity of human remains. [1]

Glasgow derives its name from Brittonic Celtic roots meaning green hollow, reflecting its historical setting along the River Clyde. The city's museums are among various international institutions that maintain collections containing complete Egyptian mummies from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. [2][3]