An ancient bronze griffin head, dating back to the 7th century BC, has been repatriated to Greece from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, marking a significant step in the global movement to return cultural artifacts to their places of origin. The artifact, stolen nearly a century ago, was unveiled at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia in Ancient Olympia on Friday, March 21, 2025, where it will now reside.

The griffin head, a symbol of strength and divine protection in ancient Greek mythology with its lion’s body and eagle’s head and wings, was displayed alongside another similar artifact already housed at the Olympia museum. The city of Olympia, famed as the birthplace of the ancient games that inspired the modern Olympics, provides a fitting home for the returned treasure.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni hailed the repatriation as a milestone during a ceremony at the museum. “After decades away, the griffin returns from the Metropolitan Museum in New York to its rightful place,” she said, commending the collaboration between Greece’s Culture Ministry and the Met in uncovering the artifact’s history. The event coincided with a visit by the International Olympic Committee, who were in Greece to elect Kirsty Coventry as their new president—the first woman and first African to hold the role.

The Met, which has intensified its efforts to investigate the provenance of its collection by employing additional specialists, expressed enthusiasm for ongoing cultural cooperation. “We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Greek government and look forward to continued engagement and cultural exchange,” said Max Hollein, the museum’s director. As part of this collaboration, Greece has agreed to loan the griffin head back to the Met for future exhibitions, reflecting a new approach to balancing repatriation with global access to heritage.

This repatriation aligns with a broader shift among museums worldwide to return significant cultural items. For Greece, it also fuels hope in its long-standing campaign to reclaim the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum, which were removed from the Acropolis in the 19th century. Citing their cultural significance and unlawful removal, the Greek government continues to negotiate with London, reporting gradual progress.

The return of the griffin head stands as both a symbolic victory and a practical example of evolving attitudes toward cultural restitution.

Bronze head of a griffin

Greek third quarter of the 7th century BCE

 

From Olympia

Bronze cauldrons set on tripods or conical stands were among the most spectacular votive gifts dedicated in Greek sanctuaries from the eighth to the sixth centuries B.C. Cast-bronze griffins' heads often decorated the cauldron rims; they projected outward from the shoulder of the vessel on long necks made of hammered or cast bronze.

Some of the dedicated cauldrons were colossal. The Greek historian Herodotus describes one made for King Kroisos of Lydia that could hold 2,700 gallons and another dedicated on the island of Samos that was supported by huge kneeling figures.

Over six hundred bronze griffins' heads from cauldrons are known today; most have been found at the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia or at that of Hera on Samos. This enormous head is one of the finest.