British Museum Chair Proposes Alternating Display of Parthenon Marbles in Athens and London

George Osborne, who chairs the board of trustees at the British Museum, has suggested that the Parthenon Marbles be exhibited alternately in Athens and London, aiming for a loan agreement during his three-year term. In an interview with Kathimerini, he remarked that the sculptures "came here legitimately," yet he hopes they can also be showcased in Athens. The marbles have resided in the British Museum since 1817, following their removal by Lord Elgin. Osborne noted that a "deal to be done" was mentioned in 2022, and the board now backs a rotation plan, despite the British Museum Act 1963 barring deaccessioning. Greek officials, however, oppose temporary loans, demanding permanent repatriation, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis supporting their return to be displayed near the Acropolis Museum.