Australia to benefit from Greece’s decision to lend artifacts to foreign museums for up to 50 years

·

The Greek Parliament is to vote on Thursday on a bill which paves the way for the lending of ancient and modern Greek artifacts to foreign museums for up to 50 years.

The bill provides for the possibility of borrowing movable monuments from Greek museums for 25 years, with the possibility of extending for an additional 25 years.

The Ministry of Culture says this will allow the country to promote Greek art and culture on a global basis, especially in areas where there is a strong expatriate element such as Australia and the US.

“The museums of our country have tens of millions of movable monuments, which are kept in their warehouses,” the Ministry says in a statement.

“Of these, some, selected by the museums themselves and after obtaining the approval of the competent services of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and of course the Central Archaeological Council, in full application of the provisions of the Archaeological Law (Law 3028/2002), will be able to be exhibited as a single collection with long-term borrowing in museums or exhibition spaces abroad, necessarily retaining the name of the museum that lends its objects.”

READ MORE: ‘Bid for the Benaki’: Greek Museum launches online art auction.

The Benaki Museum is set to benefit from the new legislation.

The statement goes on to say the bill will specifically help the Benaki Museum, which has been approached by the Hellenic Museum of Melbourne to house some of its collection outside of Greece.

READ MORE: New Benaki Museum in Melbourne set to be first of its kind outside of Greece.

“In this way, the identity of the Greek community is strengthened, the comparative advantage of its homeland is highlighted in the best way and people all over the world come in contact with the Greek culture,” the Ministry says in a statement.

The current legal framework stipulates that an object can be transferred from a museum in Greece to a museum abroad for only five years, with the possibility of extension for another five years after a new decision. This limit is greatly expanded with the new proposed regulation.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mother’s Day for Greek Australians: A time for love, memory and reflection

The roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to Ancient Greek and Roman festivals which honoured the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.

Greek olive oil poised for growth in booming Australian market

A study by the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Greek Consulate in Sydney highlights strong opportunities for Greek olive oil.

The Greek alphabet may be older than first thought

Associate Professor Willemijn Waal, with the help of a Vici grant, aims to explore whether the alphabet could be several centuries older.

Evangelos Demos to give seminar on the geopolitics of Greek foreign policy

Evangelos Demos is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney under the supervision of Professor Vrasidas Karalis.

Niki Louca shares her recipe for Daktylies (Cypriot-style bread)

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Daktylies (Cypriot-style bread) with The Greek Herald.

You May Also Like

Top Australian doctor shoots down Pfizer CEO’s claim a fourth COVID vaccine is needed

One of Australia's top doctors has hit back at claims from Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, that people will need a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose.

‘Should never have happened’: Parents of British tourist killed in Greek helicopter accident speak out

The parents of Jack Fenton, the 22-year-old British tourist struck by a helicopter blade in Greece are seeking justice for their son.

About 100 people gather to protest Melbourne’s lockdown in Oakleigh

About 100 people are currently protesting Melbourne's lockdown at the predominantly Greek suburb of Oakleigh.