'Peak woke insanity': Scottish museum removes Egyptian mummies from display, cites lack of 'consent' and 'respect' for the dead

A huge row has erupted after a museum in Scotland removed ancient Egyptian mummies citing lack of ‘informed consent from the deceased individual’ and 'respect for the dead'. As reported by the Daily Mail, Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum took the decision as part of its draft Human Remains Policy, which emphasizes documenting human remains and obtaining informed consent from the deceased or their descendants before displaying them.

The move follows the International Council of Museums’ revised Code of Ethics, released in June 2026, which encourages museums to treat human remains with dignity. However, the decision stirred a huge row. 'Peak woke insanity,' wrote one X user commenting on the issue. Another said it is 'WOKE insanity'.

Which Egyptian Mummies has the Scottish museum removed?

As per a report in the Daily Mail, the artifacts removed from public display include a mummified male head, a mummified foot, a mummified right hand from the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, and the remains of a priest named Nekt.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life Museums said the decision was intended to demonstrate respect for the individuals whose remains had been preserved for centuries. “In the absence of such consent, we believe removing ancient Egyptian human remains from display is more respectful to the deceased individuals,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

The policy reflects a broader debate among museums about whether historical and educational value alone justifies displaying human remains, particularly when the circumstances surrounding their acquisition and the wishes of the deceased are unclear.

More human remains could be removed from Scottish museums

The Kelvingrove decision may be part of a wider change in how Glasgow’s museums handle human remains. Glasgow Life told the Daily Mail that it plans to review and remove other human remains considered problematic from Kelvingrove and the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Art and Life.

The proposed changes could bring further debate over how museums should balance ethical responsibilities with their educational and historical missions. The discussion also raises questions about how institutions should approach artifacts collected during periods when modern standards for consent, cultural sensitivity and the treatment of human remains were not consistently applied.

Why are museums rethinking the display of human remains?

Museums around the world face growing scrutiny over the display of human remains and culturally significant objects. The debate centres on whether such displays respect the people represented, whether the remains were acquired ethically and how institutions can make historical collections accessible without disregarding cultural or personal sensitivities.

The revised ethical guidance from the International Council of Museums adds to this discussion by placing greater emphasis on dignity and responsible treatment. Published in June 2026, ‘The International Council of Museums’ revised Code of Ethics states that museums “should uphold the inherent dignity of human remains and promote respect for their significance”.