Germany's new history museum forced to 'decolonise' after decision to hand back Benin Bronzes Museum in rebuilt Kaiser's palace has lost Benin bronzes, opening a Pandora's Box over colonial-era artefacts The Benin bronzes were looted from Nigeria by British forces Credit: Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images Europe The opening of Berlin’s newest and most spectacular museum is in danger of being overshadowed by a growing row over Germany’s colonial heritage and looted art. The Humboldt Forum was supposed to be Berlin’s answer to the British Museum. Housed in a new reconstruction of the palace from which the Kaiser announced the start of the First World War, it aims to bring the non-European collections of the city’s many museums together in a new home.