The Elgin Marbles are owned by the British Museum, which has exhibited them for more than 200 years[3]. Their ownership remains fiercely contested, as the Greek government claims they were illegally removed and continues to demand their return to Greece[2][5][7]. Legally, the British government asserts that Lord Elgin obtained them under a permit (“firman”) from the Ottoman Empire, but the original documentation is lost and surviving translations do not make his rights entirely clear[4][6][8].
A British parliamentary inquiry in 1816 supported Elgin’s legal claim and the British Museum purchased the marbles that year[2]. Subsequent challenges, including formal legal action by Greece (most recently withdrawn in 2015), have not changed their status in the UK, which recognizes them as part of the Museum’s permanent collection[4][6].
Negotiations over their future continue, with suggestions of a possible long-term loan to Greece now being considered, though current UK law prohibits an indefinite loan or full return without legislative change[1][5].
References
- [1] Elgin Marbles could be loaned to Greece indefinitely – The Telegraph
- [2] Elgin Marbles – Wikipedia
- [3] The Elgin Marbles – Policy Exchange
- [4] The Parthenon/Elgin Marbles Debate: Return or Retain? – Antigone Journal
- [5] Are the Parthenon Sculptures finally returning to Greece? – DW
- [6] The Parthenon marbles and the debate about Cultural heritage – Creatives Unite
- [7] Backlash Erupts Over Attempt to Block Parthenon Marbles … – Artnet News
- [8] Looted Art: The Case of the Parthenon Sculptures – UNF Digital Commons
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