London, Thanasis Gavos

In favor of a “really exciting and innovative” answer to the riddle of the future of the Parthenon Sculptures located in London, the director of the British Museum, Nicholas Callinan, argues in an interview.

“Something out of the box… I start with the idea that anything is possible and we’ll deal with reality as it develops. Let’s not start with the idea that certain things cannot be done,” he tells the Financial Times when asked what he thinks about the Sculptures.

To the observation that there must be a plan, he replies that “plans take shape” and that one must first adopt some principle for one’s positions and for the discussion with the other side. “I’d like to talk more about a partnership than argue about ownership,” he adds.

Finally, he adds that he finds competition on issues limiting and that he prefers to cooperate. “If we are serious about the world of global culture, we should work together. I don’t have a solution per se, nor should I – it’s a conversation that needs to be had.”