Towards a global history of provenance research: inaugural symposium of the UNESCO Chair hosted by the École du Louvre
On June 22 and 23, 2026, the École du Louvre will host the international conference launching its UNESCO Chair, “Sensitive Objects, Provenance Research, and International Issues,” entitled “Towards a Global History of Provenance Research – Historical, Methodological, Legal, Political, and Philosophical Dimensions.”
This inaugural symposium aims to take a retrospective look at the conditions that led to the emergence of provenance research and the reasons for its current essential role, both in the management of museum collections and in research in art history and archaeology, as well as in the field of international relations.
Far from being a recent practice, knowledge of the biographies of artworks, collections, and libraries has long been a focus of the historiography of art and culture. Its development has been marked by moments when art history has intersected with the fields of politics, law and international relations, giving rise to new scientific approaches and the emergence of concepts renewing reflections on ethics, museum practices and cultural exchanges.
For two days, researchers, heritage professionals, and international experts will gather to explore the writing of a global history of provenance research as a scholarly practice, institutional framework, and professional culture. Discussions will address, in particular, the challenges related to research methods, legal regimes, ethical and philosophical frameworks, as well as the geopolitical contexts that shape these practices.
This inaugural symposium marks the launch of an international scientific program led by the UNESCO Chair – École du Louvre, whose work will continue through several international meetings designed to broaden these reflections to other geographical areas.
Practical Information
June 22–23, 2026
- École du Louvre – Rohan Amphitheater
- June 22: 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- June 23: 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Event organized in French and English, in a hybrid format.
