Discussion on the Return of 19th Century Elgin Marbles Taken
"The British Museum Prefers Short-Term Loan Format"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The UK is actively progressing negotiations to return the Elgin Marbles, marble relief sculptures from the Parthenon frieze taken from Athens, Greece in the 19th century. Reports have suggested that the UK and Greece will soon reach an agreement, but due to differing conditions desired by both sides and political consent issues, it is said that concluding the negotiations early will not be easy.
The Elgin Marbles are marble pieces taken from the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, which was under Ottoman rule in the early 19th century. The temple’s outer wall, built 2,500 years ago, features dozens of relief sculptures of figures and horses stretching over 163 meters. The British removed these between 1801 and 1812 and transported them to London. In 1816, the British government purchased them, and they are currently exhibited at the British Museum. The name "Elgin Marbles" comes from Thomas Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time.
Since Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832, it has consistently demanded the return of the Elgin Marbles from the UK. The UK has repeatedly refused, but recently, with the Vatican returning three Parthenon sculptures to Greece and Italy agreeing to return some temple sculptures, a movement to return looted cultural assets from Western museums has gained momentum, raising hopes that this time the negotiations might be concluded.
On the 18th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that while negotiations have made progress, significant differences remain, making a near-term agreement unlikely. Recent reports from Greek media and Bloomberg, citing multiple sources, stated that "discussions are 90% complete" and "nearing the final stage," but official statements from both sides indicate that immediate results are unlikely, NYT explained.
According to reports, the Greek side wants the entire Elgin Marbles collection returned and to keep them in Greece for at least 20 years. Sources said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is leading the discussions, hopes to extend the agreement beyond 20 years. Greece appears willing to provide artworks of equivalent value to the British Museum on a rotating basis.
On the other hand, the UK reportedly wants to lend only a portion of the Elgin Marbles for a short term. Sources conveyed that the UK prefers to initially lend about one-third of the Parthenon sculptures, and after Greece returns them, this accumulated trust would serve as a basis to send more pieces to Greece.
NYT also noted that even if Prime Minister Mitsotakis and British Museum Director George Osborne reach an agreement, political opposition in both the UK and Greece could arise. If the British Museum legally sends the Elgin Marbles to Greece, it must clarify that the sculptures remain the property of the British Museum, a condition that both sides find difficult to accept.
For these reasons, sources say concluding the negotiations in the short term is unlikely. They do not expect results before the Greek general election scheduled for the end of this year.
Both sides acknowledged that negotiations have made considerable progress. The British Museum stated, "We are working with our Greek partners to establish a new Parthenon partnership, and constructive discussions have been ongoing since the beginning of the year." A Greek source told NYT that behind-the-scenes talks are underway and have progressed to a level "not previously reached."
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