The Elgin Marbles

Diplomatic Efforts

Efforts to reclaim the Elgin Marbles have intensified since the 1980s, with Greece and international bodies pushing for their return. In 1981, the International Organizing Committee for the restitution of the Parthenon marbles was established, followed by the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles in 1983. Despite Greece's construction of the Acropolis Museum to house the marbles, the British Museum has refused to return them, citing various reasons. Gary Arndt notes, "The current room where the marbles are located in the British Museum, the Duveen Gallery, is arguably much worse than the new facility built in Athens." 1

   

British Stance

The British government has consistently maintained that the Elgin Marbles will remain in the UK, a stance reiterated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021. However, public opinion in Britain has shown significant support for returning the marbles, with a 2014 poll indicating that 40% of the public favored their return. Some scholars argue that the marbles have been better preserved and more accessible in London, but Gary Arndt believes that "some or all the marbles will eventually be returned to Greece at some point." 2