Paris
Tibetans are protesting the Musée Guimet in Paris for its decision to rename parts of its exhibition from “Nepal-Tibet” to “Himalayan World.” This change has sparked accusations of yielding to pressure from Chinese authorities. Despite ongoing campaigns to revert the name, the museum has maintained its stance, leading to significant backlash from Tibetan activists and supporters.
Voice of Tibet, a pro-Tibetan organization, reported on Monday that demonstrations took place outside the museum from Oct 13, highlighting concerns that the name change distorts historical and cultural identities. The controversy mirrors previous incidents where institutions like the Musée du Quai Branly publicly apologized for similar actions, including replacing “Tibet” with the term “Xizang,” favored by China. In contrast, the Musée Guimet has faced criticism for not following suit, prompting calls for a reassessment of its decision.
Supporters of the protests argue that the term “Himalayan World” diminishes the unique identity of Tibet and aligns with China’s broader efforts to erase the traditional identity of the region. The term “Xizang” specifically refers to the area designated by China as the Xizang Autonomous Region, which many Tibetans reject as a representation of their cultural heritage.
Founded in the late 19th century by Émile Guimet, the Musée Guimet is known for its extensive collection of Asian art and culture. The protests reflect a growing sensitivity to how cultural institutions navigate the pressures from geopolitical influences while representing historically significant regions like Tibet.
