Should the British Museum return the Elgin Marbles?

The British Museum Says It Will Never Return the Elgin Marbles, Defending Their Removal as a ‘Creative Act’ “The imperialist patronage of the British Museum has no limits,” George Vardas, secretary of the international association for the reunifications of the Parthenon sculptures, told the Greek paper.

Should Britain return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece?

The legality of the statues is still highly disputed between the U.K. and Greece, with Greek officials arguing that due to the Ottoman’s occupation, the decree was not valid and the Ottomans had no authority over the Parthenon, therefore the marbles should be returned to Athens.

Are the Elgin Marbles still in London?

Purchased by the British crown from Lord Elgin in 1816, the Parthenon Sculptures were presented by parliament to the British Museum, where they have remained ever since.

What is the debate over the Elgin Marbles?

The Elgin Marbles have been controversial for over 200 years, with the Acropolis Museum in Athens – which houses the remaining sculptures – keeping a space empty for them amongst its current display. Greece considers the Elgin Marbles stolen goods and has frequently demanded that they’re returned.

Did Britain steal the Elgin Marbles?

The Marbles were transported by sea to Britain. Following a public debate in Parliament and its subsequent exoneration of Elgin, he sold the Marbles to the British government in 1816. They were then passed into the trusteeship of the British Museum, where they are now on display in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery.

How the Parthenon lost its marbles?

Exposed on the Acropolis, the Parthenon was a highly vulnerable target, and in September that year, a deadly blow fell: A Venetian mortar struck it, causing a colossal explosion that destroyed its roof, leaving only the pediments standing.

Why won’t the British return the Elgin marbles?

Boris Johnson won’t return 2,500-year-old Elgin Marbles to Greece as they had been ‘legally acquired’ by British Museum. The 2,500-year-old sculptures were removed from the Acropolis more than 200 years ago and have long been the subject of dispute.

Did Britain buy the Elgin marbles?

Despite objections that Lord Elgin had “ruined Athens” by the time his work was done in 1805, the British Government purchased the marbles from him in 1816. They’ve been housed at the British Museum ever since.

What is the problem with the Elgin marbles?

Air pollution and acid rain have damaged the marble and stonework. The last remaining slabs from the western section of the Parthenon frieze were removed from the monument in 1993 for fear of further damage. They have now been transported to the New Acropolis Museum.

Is the British Museum giving the Elgin Marbles back?

British Museum ‘rules out’ returning Elgin Marbles to Greece after country demands UK opens negotiations. Jeremy Corbyn has pledged to give back statues if he becomes prime minister

How did Lord Elgin get the marbles from the Parthenon?

The 2,500-year-old marble sculptures were removed from the Parthenon Temple on the Acropolis in Athens by the Ottoman ambassador Lord Elgin in the early 1800s. Lord Elgin sold the marbles to the British government,…

When did they get the Marbles back from Greece?

Although Greeks have been petitioning for the marbles’ return since 1832, and opinion polls have found that the British public is largely in favor of reuniting the sculptures in Athens, there are no active talks between the museum and Greek officials.

When was the Elgin Marbles removed from the Acropolis?

Pieces were also removed from the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, and the Temple of Athena Nike, all inside the Acropolis . The excavation and removal was completed in 1812 at a personal cost to Elgin of around £70,000.