Beijing: SiltaNews – News Desk
UNESCO on Monday inaugurated the world’s first virtual museum of stolen cultural objects during the MONDIACULT 2025 held in Barcelona, Spain, according to its website. The initiative aims to protect the world’s common heritage and fight against the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Using innovative technologies such as 3D modeling and virtual reality, the virtual museum digitally reconstructs and showcases stolen cultural objects selected by member states. The platform also features narratives, educational content and testimonies from affected communities, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of these items. A special gallery devoted to successful restitution cases further underscores the importance of best practices and international cooperation in the return of cultural property.
The museum currently presents more than 200 stolen cultural objects, ranging from historical artefacts and architectural elements to ancient inscriptions and currencies, as well as musical instruments, rare books, manuscripts and archives. Among the exhibits are four bronze Arhats stolen from China, each dating back to the Ming dynasty and distinguished by unique characteristics.