US museum to return three ancient bronze sculptures to India illegally taken from country's temples The United States will return three ancient bronze sculptures stolen from Tamil Nadu temples after detailed provenance research confirmed their illegal removal. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has partnered with India to facilitate the return. Washington:In a significant development for India's cultural heritage, the United States will return three ancient bronze sculptures that were illegally taken from temples in Tamil Nadu. This arrangement will allow the museum to share the full story of the sculpture's origins, removal and eventual return. Opened in 1923, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art is the oldest national art museum in the US and houses one of the world’s leading collections of Asian art.