Growing Optimism for the Return of Parthenon Sculptures to Greece: Italy’s Role in Renewed Dialogue

The Italian news agency Ansa reported a growing sense of optimism about the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. It noted that there have been intensified discussions between Athens and London regarding the repatriation of these artifacts from the British Museum.

Ansa stated, “The international dialogue surrounding the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece has been revitalized, partly due to Italy—particularly Sicily, which paved the way in 2022.” The renewed dialogue has been influenced by the actions of Alberto Samonà, the former cultural advisor of the Sicilian region.

Three years ago, under Samonà’s initiative, it was decided that the Fagan Fragment, housed in the Salinas Museum of Palermo, should return to its original place at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

The Fagan Fragment, a piece of the eastern frieze of the Parthenon, was part of the archaeological collection of the former British consul Robert Fagan. Its return to Greece was made possible through direct dialogue between the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and the director of the Acropolis Museum, Nikolaos Stampolidis, with the then director of the Salinas Museum, Caterina Greco. The collaboration marked a step in the efforts to reunify the Parthenon Sculptures.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his gratitude to Italy and Sicily for returning the fragment, reported Ansa.

In light of these developments, Samonà conveyed his optimism about the future of the Parthenon Sculptures. “The day is approaching when the Parthenon sculptures will finally return to Athens,” he emphasized in a post commenting on the latest developments, reproduced by the Italian news agency. “I can say, with some pride, that thanks to our initiative, the international discussion about the return home of the sculptures removed from the work of Phidias has gained new momentum,” he stated.

“The path we must follow, in a world full of conflicts and divisions, is precisely international cooperation and partnership in the name of culture, which always carries a message of dialogue and peace,” he said.

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