Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Netherlands to Return Ancient Egyptian Sculpture to Egypt
Imagine a very old statue, like from a king's time, that is 3,500 years old.
This statue showed an important person from Egypt's past.
Someone took it from Egypt a long time ago, probably when there was a lot of confusion.
Later, it showed up at a art show in the Netherlands.
The leader of the Netherlands met the leader of Egypt and said, "We will give this statue back to your country."
This is because they believe it was stolen and shouldn't be in the Netherlands.
Netherlands will return a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt.
The sculpture depicts a senior official from the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III.
It is believed the artifact was stolen and illegally exported, possibly during the 2011 Arab Spring.
The sculpture surfaced at a Dutch art fair before its return.
The announcement was made by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof during a visit to Egypt.
- Who
- The Netherlands
- What
- Will return a 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt.
- When
- Announced Sunday
- Where
- Netherlands, during Prime Minister Dick Schoof's visit to Egypt
- Why
- The artifact is believed to have been stolen and illegally exported.
- Artifact Age
- 3,500 years old
- Depiction
- Senior official from Pharaoh Thutmose III's reign (1479–1425 BC)
- Suspected Origin
- Stolen and illegally exported during the 2011 Arab Spring
- Discovery Location
- Dutch art fair