Optimism grows for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece as intensified talks between Athens and London gain momentum. Italy, particularly Sicily, played a pivotal role in reigniting the international dialogue, with the return of the Fagan Fragment setting a precedent for cultural collaboration and heritage repatriation.
Tag: Parthenon sculptures
Greece’s conservative government has nominated Parliament Speaker Constantine Tassoulas as the country’s next president. Tassoulas, a strong advocate for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, previously served as culture minister and played a key role in the campaign to reclaim the sculptures from the British Museum.
The British Museum faces increasing pressure to return artifacts acquired through questionable means, including the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, and the Rosetta Stone to Egypt. While the museum claims a large portion of its collection originates within Great Britain, countries worldwide are demanding the repatriation of their stolen cultural treasures
Greece returned 1,055 ancient coins to Turkey in a historic repatriation effort. The 5th-century BC coins, including silver staters and Athenian tetradrachms, were smuggled from Turkey and seized at the Greek border in 2019. Culture ministers from both countries attended the handover ceremony in Athens, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in protecting shared cultural heritage. The event also saw Turkish support voiced for the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures
In a thought-provoking article in the Times, A.N. Wilson argues passionately against the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. He suggests that modern society, including both the British and the Greeks, may lack the ability to fully appreciate these ancient masterpieces. As diplomatic dialogues continue, Wilson's views challenge readers to reconsider the complexities of cultural heritage and ownership in today's world.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni expressed optimism about the improved relationship with the British government and the British Museum regarding the potential reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. She highlighted a positive shift in attitude and recent cultural collaborations but emphasised that reaching an agreement will require time and continued effort.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis on Wednesday discussed the meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and…
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer in London to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on the economy, shipping, tourism, and migration. The leaders also addressed international cooperation, especially with both countries serving on the UN Security Council in 2025-2026. Additionally, they discussed regional issues, including Ukraine and the Cyprus conflict, and the ongoing talks regarding the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.
A deal to return the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, to Greece is reportedly "close," according to a former advisor to the Greek government. Negotiations are ongoing, with Greece proposing a "cultural, strategic partnership" involving the exchange of other antiquities with the British Museum. The sculptures' repatriation is a key political priority for Greece, while the UK government maintains that decisions regarding the artifacts rest with the independent trustees of the British Museum.
Fifty-three percent of participants in a poll conducted by YouGov in the UK were in…
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer are set to meet in London today to discuss key issues including trade, defence, and economic cooperation. The meeting has also reignited speculation about the possible return of the Parthenon Sculptures, with reports suggesting advanced talks between the Greek government and the British Museum, though the issue is not expected to dominate the agenda.
A YouGov poll conducted in the United Kingdom reveals that 53% of respondents support the…
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold firm on the Elgin Marbles issue during Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis' visit to London, refusing to intervene in the long-standing dispute. While a loan agreement between the British Museum and Greece wouldn't be blocked, Starmer won't actively push for one.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London this December to advance discussions on the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. The negotiations, centred around a potential "Palermo-style" agreement, aim to return select sculptures from the British Museum to Greece under a renewable loan arrangement. With both governments signaling a willingness to explore creative solutions, this meeting could mark a significant step toward resolving the long-standing cultural dispute.
Vardis J. Vardinoyannis, a highly regarded figure in Greek business, whose influence shaped the nation’s energy, shipping, and philanthropic sectors, has died at the age of 91.
On the evening of his 50th birthday, a former evzone of the Greek Presidential Guard,…
King Charles and Queen Camilla concluded their Australian visit with a warm farewell from thousands of well-wishers, during which the King donned a Greek flag tie, symbolizing his Philhellenic sentiments. This gesture comes amid discussions around Greek heritage and the ongoing dialogue about the Parthenon Sculptures. The couple's trip included community events and meaningful interactions, reinforcing the King’s connection to Greece, influenced by his father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Last night in Athens, The Parthenon Project hosted an event advocating for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. The proposal suggests returning the sculptures from the British Museum to Athens, while establishing a cultural exchange partnership to benefit both nations. Key figures from Greece and the UK emphasised the plan as a "win-win" solution to foster cultural unity and collaboration.
A former Labour frontbencher, Thangam Debbonaire, has condemned the 'theft' of the Parthenon sculptures, asserting that Keir Starmer is committed to resolving the long-standing dispute with Greece. In an interview, she emphasized that the iconic sculptures do not belong in the British Museum and expressed confidence that they would be returned in her lifetime. The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader effort to improve UK-Greece relations amidst a contentious historical backdrop.
Greece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Korea's Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yu In-Chon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cultural cooperation between their countries. The agreement addresses the illegal trafficking of cultural goods and emphasises collaboration in preserving cultural heritage. Both ministers expressed commitment to combating illicit trade and agreed to facilitate exchanges of specialists and joint exhibitions, while also affirming support for Greece's initiative to reunify the Parthenon Sculptures.