State Department: Culturally Significant Objects Exhibition Determinations

FR: State Department

Published March 20th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The State Department has issued a notice determining that certain objects imported for the exhibition "Embroidered Traditions From Morocco to Afghanistan" are of cultural significance and their temporary exhibition in the United States is in the national interest. This determination was made pursuant to the Act of October 19, 1965, and related executive orders and delegations of authority.

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What changed

The Department of State has published a notice formally determining that specific objects being imported for the exhibition "Embroidered Traditions From Morocco to Afghanistan" are of cultural significance. This determination, made under the authority of 22 U.S.C. 2459, designates the objects as being in the national interest for temporary exhibition in the United States, with The Art Institute of Chicago identified as a venue.

This notice signifies the completion of a regulatory step for the exhibition, ensuring that the imported cultural objects are recognized and protected under U.S. law for their display. While this is a final determination, the notice itself does not impose new compliance obligations on entities beyond those already involved in the exhibition's planning and execution. The primary implication is the formal recognition and legal standing granted to the exhibition's cultural artifacts.

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Notice

Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition-Determinations: “Embroidered Traditions From Morocco to Afghanistan” Exhibition

A Notice by the State Department on 03/20/2026

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Public Inspection Published Document: 2026-05537 (91 FR 13691) Document Headings ###### Department of State

[Public Notice: 12970]

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: I hereby determine that certain objects being imported from abroad pursuant to an agreement with their foreign owner or custodian for temporary display in the exhibition “Embroidered Traditions from Morocco to Afghanistan” at The Art Institute of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, are of cultural significance, and, further, that their temporary exhibition or display within the United States as aforementioned is in the national interest. I have ordered that Public Notice of these determinations be published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Reed Liriano, Program Coordinator, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202-632-6471; email: section2459@state.gov). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, L/PD, 2200 C Street NW (SA-5), Suite 5H03, Washington, DC 20522-0505.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The foregoing determinations were made pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000, and Delegation of Authority No. 523 of December 22, 2021.

Sherry C. Keneson-Hall,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.

[FR Doc. 2026-05537 Filed 3-19-26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4710-05-P

Published Document: 2026-05537 (91 FR 13691)