Outcry Over Parthenon Sculptures "Loan" as Permanent Return Appears Unlikely

International Greek communities and cultural heritage advocates are voicing frustration over the British Museum’s stance on the Parthenon Sculptures, following recent statements confirming that the institution has no intention of permanently returning the contested antiquities to Greece.

Despite hopes that the museum’s upcoming renovation might serve as a turning point in the long-standing debate, British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan has confirmed there are no plans for repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures. Instead, he proposed a so-called "innovative partnership" with Greece based on reciprocal exhibit loans—a suggestion that has triggered a wave of criticism.

In a letter published Tuesday in The Times Magazine, the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles condemned the decision as a “diplomatic tragedy.” The Committee emphasised that the sculptures will not be returned but rather reinstalled in a prominent location within the museum’s refurbished galleries. The letter criticised the plan as a missed opportunity to right a historical wrong and reaffirmed its call for the sculptures to be reunited in Athens.

The letter, co-authored by prominent figures including actress Dame Janet Suzman, Cambridge University professor Paul Cartledge, and best-selling author Victoria Hislop, warned: “Greece has been and remains one of our strongest allies, and this is certainly not the time to insult that friendship.”

British Museum Defends Its Position

Director Cullinan has drawn further controversy by extending the museum’s non-return policy beyond the Parthenon Sculptures to include other looted artifacts, such as the Benin Bronzes—despite other European countries having already returned significant numbers of those items. Cullinan defended the decision by citing the importance of preserving a collection that took “three centuries to build.”

Greek Experts Urge Repatriation Over Loan Agreements

Greek legal and cultural experts remain firm: a temporary loan is no substitute for full repatriation.

“It is sad that plans are taking shape for a loan of the Marbles. I hope it doesn’t happen,” said Katerina Titi, an international law expert and associate professor at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). “The Greek government should not accept as a loan what rightfully belongs to Greece.”

Titi stressed that while Greece has diplomatically advocated for “reunification” rather than using stronger legal language around ownership, the ultimate goal must be permanent, unconditional repatriation.

Concerns Over Museum Governance and Political Will

Criticism has also extended to recent appointments within the British Museum. The selection of Dr. Tiffany Jenkins—a vocal opponent of artifact repatriation and author of Keeping Their Marbles—to the museum’s board of commissioners has fueled further skepticism about the institution’s intentions.

Jenkins has consistently argued that Western museums should retain disputed artifacts, a stance that aligns with the British government’s hands-off approach. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the return of the sculptures is a matter for the museum—not for Parliament—a claim Titi strongly rejects.

“It is the British government that we should mainly be pushing,” she said. “The British Museum is currently the most controversial museum in the world. Recognition of its 'controversial' status is not enough—what is needed is action.”

A Wider Movement for Cultural Justice

The International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures (IARPS), an umbrella body uniting committees around the world, also wrote to British Museum Chair George Osborne in March calling for the sculptures’ return. So far, the museum and the UK government have not responded positively.

As the Netherlands, Germany, and other nations make strides toward decolonising their museum collections, campaigners warn that the UK risks global isolation on cultural restitution issues.

“For how much longer will the British Museum remain the last great repository of stolen goods?” Titi asked pointedly. “And how can its director be proud of that?”

(Source: To Vima)