British Museum’s Parthenon Marbles deal with Greece ‘still some distance’ away

·

The head of the British Museum, George Osborne, has said a deal to return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens is still far from being reached. While discussions are ongoing with Greek officials, Osborne confirmed the museum is exploring an agreement where some sculptures might return to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London.

Speaking on the Political Currency podcast, Osborne cautioned that an agreement is not imminent. “We’re still some distance from any kind of agreement,” he said, noting that any resolution would involve some of the marbles being returned to Athens, where they originated from, while Greece would lend treasures to the British Museum.

Photo: Facundo Arrizabalaga / EPA.

The Parthenon Marbles, which form part of a 2,500-year-old frieze, were stolen from the Acropolis by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

Osborne also praised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach to the issue, noting that Starmer is more open to the return of the marbles than his predecessor, Rishi Sunak. Osborne said Starmer had emphasised that the decision rests with the British Museum’s trustees, independent of the government.

Discussions about a potential “Parthenon Partnership” are described by both sides as “constructive,” with a British Museum spokesperson suggesting it could balance global access to the collection while maintaining its integrity.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

A modern, Ancient Greek philosopher – Dr Tim Themi

Dr Tim Themi grew up in Melbourne where he still resides, after his Greek parents migrated from Northern Greece - Florina and Alexandreia.

Six Greek gestures and their meanings

Greek gestures and expressions are deeply tied to culture and communication. Understanding them can help avoid unintended offense.

Urban olive harvests: A lifeline amid Greece’s soaring oil prices

On the bustling streets of Glyfada, an unusual scene unfolds: nets spread beneath olive trees as workers harvest their fruit.

Tinos island faces mounting water crisis

Tinos Island in the Cyclades is facing a severe water crisis, with its infrastructure unable to keep up with rapid tourism development.

Arthur Karamalis’ gelato family legacy lives on in South Australia

For George Karamalis, gelato is more than a treat—it’s a family tradition and the foundation of a thriving South Australian business.

You May Also Like

‘Greek passion is part of my football,’ says young Matilda Sofia Sakalis

'Greek passion is part of my football,' young Greek Australian and Matilda star, Sofia Sakalis, tells The Greek Herald.

Two Greek researchers set for first-ever Antarctic expedition

For the first time, two scientists from the Technical University of Crete will join a research mission to Antarctica.

St Basil’s inquest: Woman says dad became ‘skeleton’ while mother was ‘dosed on antipsychotics’

A woman whose parents died after contracting COVID-19 at St Basil’s Home for the Aged in Fawkner is the latest to come forward.