Private discussions about the potential return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece have reportedly taken place between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek officials, and the trustees of the British Museum, including chair George Osborne.
Sources at the UK’s Sky News revealed that these meetings occurred “two or three times” this year, reflecting growing momentum toward resolving the decades-long dispute.
The talks come ahead of Mitsotakis’ upcoming meeting in London this week with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is reportedly more open to returning the Parthenon Sculptures than his predecessor.
Separate reports on PM Kir Starmer’s openness to striking a deal over the marbles and support of whatever the British Museum decides were released over the past weekend at the Financial Times.
The Parthenon Marbles, removed from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin, have been a cultural and political flashpoint.
Greece insists the marbles were taken unlawfully, while the British Museum cites a controversial Ottoman firman as proof of permission—a claim Turkey disputes.
Despite the British Museum Act of 1963 prohibiting restitution, the museum has signaled interest in a potential “Parthenon Partnership,” which could involve a long-term loan. However, Greece would need to agree to borrow what it views as its own property.
This year’s private meetings mark a significant shift in the dialogue over one of the world’s most contested cultural treasures after the dramatic breakdown of talks between former UK PM Rishi Sunak and Greek PM Mitsotakis in November of 2023.
