Hur påverkas svenska museer av återlämningsärenden?

Sammanfattning: The return of cultural property (also known as repatriation or restitution) is a process that is increasing at Swedish museums in the 21st century. Many objects have been returned to their country of origin and their individual journey have been well researched. However, research focusing on institutional changes at the museums, from which the objects have been returned, has not been given the same attention. How are Swedish museums affected by working with repatriation issues? This study aims to answer that question by conducting qualitative research based upon interviews with museum professionals at three different Swedish museums; the National museums of World Culture, Gustavianum at Uppsala University, and the Historical Museum at Lund University. Six people participated in the study, each one having practical experience with the process of returning cultural property. With the perspective of post-colonial theory and the application of new institutional theory, this study comes to several conclusions. Repatriation makes museum professionals gain new perspective and insights on the collections, as well as establishing including and meaningful relationships with indigenous people. This study also finds that repatriation makes museums work proactively with their collections, investing more resources and time in inventorying the collections and its provenance for future potential repatriation claims. Finally, the study concludes with the importance of competent personnel at museums who are aware of the complexity of dealing with repatriation issues.