UNESCO launches virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects

The UNESCO virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects project, launched on 29th September 2025, is dedicated to digitising stolen cultural objects. The website aims to contribute to raising awareness among the general public of the consequences of illicit trafficking of cultural property as well as contributing to the recovery of stolen objects.

Visitors will be able to explore virtual spaces as in a real museum and get access to educational digital materials. The museum will also include stories and testimonies from local communities. It will be conducted jointly by UNESCO and INTERPOL in collaboration with other key technical partners and local communities. Interpol’s database lists more than 52,000 stolen cultural pieces, about 600 of which are expected to be displayed in the virtual museum.