Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, May 6: Members of the Tibetan community in France, alongside French supporters, continued their peaceful protest on Monday outside the Musée Guimet in Paris, condemning the museum’s removal of the term “Tibet” from the labels of Tibetan artifacts.
Now in its 26th consecutive demonstration, the protest is part of a growing international outcry against what activists describe as the systematic erasure of Tibetan identity in global cultural institutions. The sustained campaign follows a legal notice issued by Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) France to both the Musée Guimet and French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, demanding the reinstatement of “Tibet” across all museum labels, publications, and exhibitions.
Protesters carrying Tibetan national flags and placards reading, “TIBET EXISTS. NAME IT.” and “LABEL TRUTH. NOT PROPAGANDA.” Demonstrators argue that the museum’s use of politically charged terminology aligns with China’s colonial narrative and undermines Tibet’s historical and cultural sovereignty.
The campaign has gained renewed momentum following a recent success at another Parisian cultural institution. The Musée du quai Branly, after public pressure and advocacy efforts, reversed its decision to use “Xizang”—the Chinese government’s name for Tibet—restoring “Tibet” in its artifact descriptions.
Since the beginning of the campaign, the Tibetan community in France has organized weekly sit-ins, launched social media campaigns, and distributed educational materials to raise awareness about Tibet’s distinct identity. In October last year, over 140 Tibet advocacy groups collectively challenged the Musée Guimet’s terminology, accusing the institution of aiding China’s efforts to erase Tibet’s cultural presence on the global stage.
In a formal letter also sent to Museum President Dr. Yannick Lintz, the coalition demanded immediate rectification, condemning the current labeling practices as a tacit endorsement of the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Despite a formal petition supported by international Tibet advocacy networks, the museum has yet to respond. Organizers have vowed to continue their protests until the museum acknowledges their concerns and restores the rightful designation of “Tibet” in its exhibits.
