The Parthenon Marbles (“Elgin” Marbles) are more than just art pieces: they represent Greek identity and the peoples’ long struggle against British colonization.

Global institutions, such as The Vatican Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, have already rightly returned artifacts that were found to be stolen to the countries of their origin. In 2022, the Vatican returned the Parthenon Marbles that were in their possession, and the British Museum must follow suit on the grounds of cultural respect, integrity, and morality. 

While the British Museum and others who oppose their return to Greece argue that the marbles were legally acquired by Lord Elgin, this is false, as we know from Elgin’s very own personal writings and letters. It is widely known that Elgin bribed the Ottoman officials, who were in power at the time, for the marbles that were never for sale. Elgin even carelessly allowed some of these priceless historical artifacts to fall into the ocean on the way to England. They have destroyed and robbed us of our important cultural artifacts, and it continues to weigh on the soul of all Greeks and those who are moral worldwide. 

The award-winning Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, is a state-of-the-art facility that awaits the return of both the Parthenon Marbles and the sixth Karyatid statue that Elgin stole in 1801.  The Acropolis Museum is undoubtedly more than qualified to properly exhibit and care for the pieces that rightly belong alongside the rest of the artifacts found at the site.

There is therefore no legal, cultural, logistical, or moral reason why these pieces that are so important to Greek heritage should remain in the British Museum, where they have been destroyed by poor facility conditions and poor care at the hands of its employees. At the very least, they must return to Athens for preservation purposes.

We demand the return of the Parthenon Marbles to their home in Athens, Greece!