Greece and the UK are edging toward an unusual deal that could find a way for the Elgin Marbles—sculpture stripped from the Parthenon 200 years ago by Lord Elgin and long displayed in the British Museum—to be reunited in Greece with the rest of the assemblage.
Greece has long demanded their return, saying that they were stolen and the UK has equally long refused, claiming that Elgin had permission, and that they are better cared for in England than they would be in Greece. The latter half of that argument largely collapsed with the opening of the Acropolis Museum in Athens in 2009.
George Osborne, Chairman of the British Museum told British press that he is working with Greek authorities on a plan to share the sculptures and other important Greek artefacts. Details of the possible plan are not public and there are obstacles remaining. For one, British law currently bars the Museum from giving anything away. And for Greece, accepting an offered loan is off the table because it would amount to recognizing the Marbles as British property.
A possible way around that has been suggested would be for both governments to ignore issues of ownership. Such a ‘hybrid’ deal would involve the Elgin Marbles going to Greece, while a rotating selection of other Greek artefacts would travel from Greece to England. It’s not clear how close an agreement may be, but it’s the first time in centuries there has been real discussion.
