London, Yiannis Haniotakis

Open to a new form of collaboration with Greece for Parthenon sculptures The director of the British Museum, Nicholas Calanan, appears in an interview with the Times. Although he avoided committing to the return of sculptures, he spoke of plans that “take shape” and a more creative approach to the management of claims by other countries.

“There are only 15 such cases,” he said, referring to examples such as Ethiopia’s request for the repatriation of the MacDala collection and the Australian native campaign to return the Gweagal Shield. “But the best known case,” he admits, “are the Parthenon sculptures.”

As the Shuttlewho assumed his duties in the summer of 2024:

“The plans are starting to take shape. We would like an innovative collaboration with Greece, where we will lend objects and they will lend others – and so we will share knowledge and opportunities, instead of discussing ownership. “

When asked if he intends to return the sculptures to Athenshe avoided giving a clear answer:
“It would be more about a collaboration that could be based on trust and gain depth. They are emblematic objects for the museum. In the inscription we clearly mention that they are the subject of discussion. We do not silence it, but we must be balanced and not incendiary. “

Nicolas Kalinan was appointed Director of the British Museum on March 28, 2024, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors. Kalinan, a former director of the National Gallery, officially assumed his duties last summer, succeeding temporary director Sir Mark Jones, who had taken over after the resignation of Hartwig Fisher due to a scandal.