British Museum to remove Sackler name from galleries, endowments

The British Museum will remove the name of the Sackler family from “galleries, rooms and endowments,” the museum’s chairman announces.

George Osborne says the decision was made in agreement with the Raymond & Beverly Sackler Foundation. The family, which owns Purdue Pharma, has faced criticism over the firm’s role in the US opioid crisis, and other museums and educational institutions have removed the family’s name from buildings and exhibit galleries.

“We’re moving into a new era, presenting our great collection in different ways for new audiences,” Osborne tweets.

As Chair @britishmuseum we’ve reached agreement with the Raymond & Beverly Sackler Foundation. The Sackler name will be removed from the galleries,rooms & endowments they supported. We’re moving into a new era, presenting our great collection in different ways for new audiences

— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) March 25, 2022