Parthenon sculptures are not Britain’s to keep

Today’s opinion article by the Bloomberg agency entitled “Greece’s Elgin Marbles are not Britain’s to keep” is of great interest. The author of the piece, Rachel Sanderson, among other things refers to the recent decision of Pope Francis to return to Greece three fragments of the Parthenon Sculptures as a “sincere desire to follow the universal path of truth” as characteristically pointed out in the relevant announcement of the Vatican.

The article presents the Greek arguments and the efforts made by the Parthenon Project, which as pointed out is in communication with both the British Museum and the Acropolis Museum to find a solution.

Britain’s big chance

At the same time, the steadfast position of the British government is noted, which categorically refuses to change the 1963 law that prohibits the British Museum from permanently granting its exhibits.

Nevertheless, it is emphasized that Britain has a great opportunity to make a “gift” to the Greek people on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy which will be celebrated on July 24, 2024. It is noted that the United Kingdom has more than enough time to make perfect copies and replace those in the British Museum.

It also highlights the “radical change” in the public dialogue, at a global level, on issues related to the return of works of art. In fact, the position of the director of the Louvre museum, Laurence de Carre, is presented, who has said that she belongs to a generation of curators who “are open to returning something that is wrongly there”.