The retrieval of the of Crimean gold collection after an exhibition at a Dutch museum is being discussed by legal advisors of the University of Amsterdam that the museum is part of, a university spokesperson Yasha Lange told RIA Novosti.
The exhibition “The Crimea: Gold and secrets of the Black Sea” opened at the Allard Pierson Museumin Amsterdam in early February. Artifacts from five Crimean museums were displayed at the exhibition, including objects made of gold, a ceremonial helmet and jewels. Last Sunday it was reported that the collection may not make it back to Crimea – for example, if the Netherlands sent the exhibits back to the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture.
“The artifacts will stay in the Netherlands at least until the end of August when the exhibition closes. They will then be returned according to ownership rights. Since the issue is rather complicated, the situation is now being analyzed by the legal advisors of the University of Amsterdam. The Dutch Foreign Minister has also made some recommendations,” Lange said.
Earlier on Thursday, Presidential Envoy for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoi announced that the Scythian gold from the Crimean museums currently on loan abroad must be returned to Crimea.
