Backlash Erupts After British Museum Removes ‘Palestine’ From Ancient Middle East Displays

This article was first published by artnet.

  • The British Museum removed “Palestine” from some ancient Middle East labels.
  • A U.K.-based Israel advocacy group recently submitted a letter of complaint about the term’s historical accuracy.
  • The museum said the label revisions reflect evolving political sensitivities, but critics argue they bow to pressure and distort history.

The British Museum has altered its labeling of ancient Middle Eastern artifacts, removing references to “Palestine” after critics argued the term was being used inaccurately to describe civilizations that existed centuries before it was coined.