British Museum Engages In ‘Secret Talks’ Over Return Of Parthenon Marbles

Just two months ago, then-UK Prime Minister Liz Truss publicly ruled out any suggestions that the country would hand the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece, despite numerous calls by the latter for the artifacts to be returned. 

Now, it seems the situation has turned on its head, as a report alleges secret talks between the British Museum and Greece have reached “advanced stages,” signaling the possibility of an end to the 200-year-old dispute. 

According to ARTnews, the sculptures were taken from Athens back in 1801 during the Ottoman occupation of Greece, and were then sold to the British Government in 1816, where it has remained within the walls of the British Museum for nearly two centuries. 

Greek newspaper Ta Nea reports that Chairman of the British Museum George Osborne and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently met in London to discuss the potential handover of the artifacts, which comprise marble panels, figures, and friezes. 

The Art Newspaper concurs with the publication, writing that Osborne and Mitsotakis gave a speech at the London School of Economics that revealed a “possible” return of the 2,500-year-old relics. 

Mitsotakis said that a “win-win solution” could be found, which would involve the Parthenon Marbles being reunited with its homeland, while “taking into account concerns” of the British Museum. 

Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that if all goes as planned, the sculptures could be returned to Greece as soon as early next year, after which they will go on display at the new Acropolis Museum in the capital. 

Could we finally be seeing the end to this longstanding saga, which harks back all the way to 1983 when the Greek government made its first formal request for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned?

With the British Museum saying it is willing to “talk to anyone, including the Greek government,” about a new “partnership” involving the relics, perhaps there’s reason to hope for those longing to see the return of the Parthenon artifacts to their home. 

[via ARTnews and The Art Newspaper, cover image via Bruce Whittingham | Dreamstime.com]