Have national museums had their day?

National museums face an existential crossroads as they grapple with their colonial origins, shifting public expectations, and the complexities of repatriation. Originally established in the 18th and 19th centuries to fuel scientific research and project national power, these institutions now struggle to balance their historical collections with contemporary ethical demands. Experts like Sam Redman and Patricia Rahemipour highlight the tension between safeguarding fragile artifacts and addressing the provenance of items looted during colonial eras. Meanwhile, curators such as Julien Volper argue for the continued value of "universal museums" in fostering multicultural understanding, while Mathew Trinca emphasizes that modern museums must transition from being collection-centric to public-centric. Ultimately, these institutions remain relevant by evolving into spaces that actively co-create narratives with diverse communities rather than merely serving as static repositories of the past.