The debate over the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens has gained renewed momentum, thanks in part to Italy’s role in facilitating key steps forward. According to the Italian news agency Ansa, intensified diplomatic efforts are now underway to bring the iconic marbles back from the British Museum.
The push to return the sculptures to Greece was reignited by Italy, particularly Sicily, in 2022. At the heart of this movement was Alberto Samona, the then Sicilian regional councillor for culture, who played a pivotal role in the return of the “Fagan fragment.” This fragment, once part of the Parthenon’s eastern frieze and held in Palermo’s Salinas Museum, was originally part of the collection of the British Consul Robert Fagan. The successful return of the fragment to Greece was made possible through direct collaboration between the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, the director of the Acropolis Museum, Nikolaos Stambolidis, and Katerina Greko, then-director of the Salinas Museum.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his gratitude to Italy and Sicily for the return of the fragment. A year later, the Vatican, following the initiative of Pope Francis, also contributed to the cause by donating three additional Parthenon fragments, previously housed in the Vatican Museums.
At the same time, Greece has been tirelessly advocating for the return of the Parthenon Marbles still held at the British Museum. The Greek government has made it clear that the marbles, which were taken during the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, should be reunited with the rest of the Parthenon in Athens. Greece has continued to push for a diplomatic solution, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis leading efforts to engage with international leaders, museum directors, and cultural institutions to build support for the cause.
In recent months, there have been positive signs, with the new British government leaving the door open for potential discussions regarding the return of the marbles. Greece has also strengthened its position by further developing the Acropolis Museum, which now provides the ideal home for the sculptures, ensuring their preservation and showcasing their cultural significance.
Commenting on the recent developments, Alberto Samona emphasized the significance of these diplomatic strides. “The day is approaching when the Parthenon sculptures will finally return to Athens,” he said. “I can say, with a certain pride, that thanks to our movement, the international debate on the return of the sculptures removed from the work of Phidias has gained new momentum. The path to follow in a world full of conflict and division is – precisely – international cooperation and partnership in the name of culture, which has always carried a message of dialogue and peace.”
With Greece’s continued advocacy and the international community’s increasing support, the return of the Parthenon Marbles seems to be within reach, marking a significant moment in the ongoing cultural reconciliation between Greece and the world.
