Greece calls again for return of Parthenon Marbles

·

Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, has reiterated a long-standing request for the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Acropolis Museum which was purpose-built to house the antiquities.

“It is time for the British Museum to reconsider its stance ahead of the Acropolis Museum’s next birthday, which is on June 20,” Mendoni told private broadcaster Star TV on Saturday.

“Does it want to be a museum that meets and will continue to meet modern requirements and speak to the soul of the people, or will it remain a colonial museum which intends to hold treasures of world cultural heritage that do not belong to it?”

Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni (left), visited the Acropolis when it reopened on May 18, 2020. Source: AFP.

The minister said that the reopening of archaeological sites last week was an opportunity for the international committees to reiterate their long-standing request, and that of the Greek government’s, for their return.

“The Parthenon Marbles are a product of theft and therefore, Greece will never recognise ownership and possession by the British Museum,” Mendoni said.

READ MORE: Acropolis reopens along with 200 other Greek archaeological sites.

The ancient friezes, which include depictions of battles between mythical ancient Greeks and centaurs, were taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and are now on display at the British Museum in London.

Greece has been campaigning for three decades for their return, arguing that the Ottoman Empire was an occupying force and any permission granted to Lord Elgin during its time is not valid.

However, the British Museum continues to refuse to return the Parthenon Marbles.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens ties in Adelaide visit

Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, is visiting Adelaide, South Australia.

Ex-Collingwood captain sues former manager Jason Sourasis for $3 million

Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has filed a $3 million lawsuit against his former manager and long-time friend Jason Sourasis.

You May Also Like

Beaches evacuated as fire breaks out in Mani, Lakonia

Strong fire-fighting forces were deployed on Sunday afternoon to put out a fire that broke out in the Agios Kyprianos area of Eastern Mani,...

‘We are on your side’: Greek PM promises relief measures for people affected by wildfires

The Greek government has announced twelve relief measures for residents affected by the wildfires raging across the nation.

Two refugees commit suicide in Kilkis area

The Hellenic Refugee Forum reported the tragic suicide of two refugees via its Facebook page yesterday. According to the agency, the two young men, of...