UNESCO and Kéré Architecture launch the World’s First Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
The UNESCO Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects has officially been unveiled—a global digital space designed by Francis Kéré to protect and celebrate humanity’s shared heritage.
The launch event, held in the presence of the Director-General of UNESCO, marked the public release of the platform with an immersive experience of the Virtual Museum. Introduced by Francis Kéré, guests were guided through its architecture and digital spaces, exploring its interactive tools, digitised artefacts, and educational content. Visitors could navigate the museum directly on their own devices, on dedicated screens, or through virtual reality headsets—reflecting the project’s global reach and accessibility.
Harnessing 3D modelling and virtual reality, the UNESCO Virtual Museum brings together cultural objects stolen from around the world, digitally reconstituted and presented with their stories. The platform combines educational narratives, community testimonies, and case studies of successful restitutions, highlighting the importance of cultural identity, good practice, and international cooperation.
Announced during MONDIACULT 2022 and developed in response to a call by UNESCO Member States, the Virtual Museum represents the first global initiative of its kind. Designed by Pritzker Prize Laureate Francis Kéré, it is supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and implemented in collaboration with INTERPOL.
Unveiled at MONDIACULT 2025, the project stands as a new landmark in the digital preservation of culture—a space where innovation, education, and design converge to raise awareness and strengthen global commitment against the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The UNESCO Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects has officially been unveiled—a global digital space designed by Francis Kéré to protect and celebrate humanity’s shared heritage.
The launch event, held in the presence of the Director-General of UNESCO, marked the public release of the platform with an immersive experience of the Virtual Museum. Introduced by Francis Kéré, guests were guided through its architecture and digital spaces, exploring its interactive tools, digitised artefacts, and educational content. Visitors could navigate the museum directly on their own devices, on dedicated screens, or through virtual reality headsets—reflecting the project’s global reach and accessibility.
Harnessing 3D modelling and virtual reality, the UNESCO Virtual Museum brings together cultural objects stolen from around the world, digitally reconstituted and presented with their stories. The platform combines educational narratives, community testimonies, and case studies of successful restitutions, highlighting the importance of cultural identity, good practice, and international cooperation.
Announced during MONDIACULT 2022 and developed in response to a call by UNESCO Member States, the Virtual Museum represents the first global initiative of its kind. Designed by Pritzker Prize Laureate Francis Kéré, it is supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and implemented in collaboration with INTERPOL.
Unveiled at MONDIACULT 2025, the project stands as a new landmark in the digital preservation of culture—a space where innovation, education, and design converge to raise awareness and strengthen global commitment against the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property.
