Offering a unique insider’s view of museum collections, SAFE Tours examine the meaning of ancient objects in today’s modern world of collecting and cultural heritage preservation. Unlike any other museum tour, SAFE Tours ask questions. For instance, from what modern countries do ancient objects come? How did they get here? Who donated them or were they acquired by the museum? What was the expense? How is the money raised that funds the expense of purchasing antiquities? How do museums explain to the visitor the modern life of an object? What relationship do these objects have with those still in their source countries?
In asking these provocative questions, in the presence of the objects themselves, SAFE Tours tell the story of the foundation of great antiquities collections, the changing trends in museum acquisition policies and heritage law and the unexpected ways certain objects were acquired. SAFE Tours explore these questions in order to raise awareness about the vulnerability of our shared cultural heritage.
What makes SAFE Tours unique?
Most museum tours are lectures which examine objects from formal, art historical perspectives. SAFE Tours also focus on selected objects but the acquisition, collection, study and display of antiquities is also discussed. SAFE Tours are interactive, drawing participants into discussions and having them connect with one another around issues important to them. SAFE Tours provoke lively conversation and spirited discussions.
Who Gives SAFE Tours?
People in the know: journalists, archaeologists, museum specialists, art historians, people who have expert knowledge about different aspects of ancient objects. Our tour leaders have devoted themselves to ancient cultures and can speak to a range of issues about museum collections.
Who Attends SAFE Tours?
Anyone interested in archaeology, art history, ancient history, the history of museums, cultural heritage issues or law. Our audiences are a stimulating mix of students, professionals at all levels and the members of the public.
We customize tours to suit participants' specific interests. Please check back for updated tour listings. Tours last approximately an hour-and-a-half and afford time for more casual discussions with tour leaders at the end, if desired. For more information contact us at tours@savingantiquities.org.
Read about SAFE Tours in USA Today
Professor Tracy Musacchio
This tour will discuss the history of the exploration (and exploitation) of Egypt and how the looting throughout the 18th and 19th centuries created a market for Egyptian antiquities.
Professor Senta German
Dr. Senta German leads tours which present the injury to archaeological and historical research caused by looting.
Dr. Jane Hill
Through the University of Pennsylvania Museum’s Egyptian collection, the tour illuminates what is lost when objects are looted to feed the illicit antiquities trade.
Roger Atwood
His tour covers artifacts described in Stealing History including the Vicús treasures from northern Peru and the little known pieces from Batán Grande.
Professor Laura Flusche
Etruscan art historian and archaeologist, Dr. Flusche, President of the Institute for Design and Culture in Rome, offers a truly memorable experience.
Nadia Tarzi
An advocate and activist for Afghan heritage preservation, Nadia Tarzi gives a unique and informative tour of this collection of newly rediscovered artifacts.
Professor Colin Renfrew
A very special tour with one of the leading figures in the international movement to prevent the looting of archaeological sites.
Dr. Oscar Muscarella
Dr. Oscar Muscarella guides us through the Ancient Near Eastern Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and discusses how the objects got there.
Professor Haidy Geismar
Anthropologist and NYU professor, Haidy Geismar, talks about Pacific artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum and discusses how the tribal art market impacts local cultures.
Stefano Alessandrini
Offering his insight as an expert witness in various court cases, Mr. Alessandrini was personally involved in recovering some of the objects himself and brings an eyewitness account that guests will not soon forget.
Professor Donny George
The tour gives an in-depth view of the Oriental Institute Museum's collection of ancient Iraqi artifacts, renowned for its scope and quality, and also the legal, ethical, and scholarly way in which it was assembled.