Refreshed dynamics acquires the demand for the return of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece, as the British Museum now seems more receptive to a “cultural partnership” with Athens.

At a Parthenon Project event in Westminster, celebrities from Britain and Greece participated in an open discussion on the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures, under the coordination of BBC’s coordinated Culture, Katie Razal.

The debate took place in the wake of the announcement of an ambitious “redefinition” plan of the British Museum, which includes a complete renovation and redesign of the western wing, which exposes the Parthenon sculptures. At the same time, internal processes on how to present collections to future generations are underway.

About the prospect of returning the Parthenon sculptures, the actor and writer Sir Steven Fry He argued that Britain has the opportunity to do “Something elegant, something respectable, something that people will really admire to us.” As she pointed out, everything is possible if there is political will and said Australia’s example: In 1990 a highly targeted law, entitled The Australian Constitution (Public Record Copy) Act, was passed, which allowed the Public Archives Office to deliver a copy of its constitution. Although there was a law that banned it, all it needed was some Members to consult and pass a new law.

The same can be done in the case of Parthenon sculpture.

For his part, the former Brexit’s former head of negotiator Lord David Frost He expressed the view that the time has come for Britain to stop resisting the possibility of a return: “I don’t know what we earn now by saying ‘no’ … We get involved in details about whether it’s a loan, what the law says, how long it will last … It should be a gift without prejudice.”. He acknowledged that the issue remains controversial within the British Parliament, but “public opinion is changing”.

In the same vein, the former shadow Minister of Culture and a member of the House of Lords Thistle He stressed that “the time came” of reunification. “Anyone who has visited the Acropolis Museum, as I had the honor of doing last year, will have seen these very moving empty spaces waiting for their sculptures to be returned,” He stressed.

OR Mareva Grabowski–Mitsotakiswho participated in his status of citizen and not his wife Greek prime minister, stressed that ‘This is the right time’ As there is “A win-win scenario for both sides.”

He added, it is moving to hear Britons speak in this way about the sculptures. Characterized the reunion as one ‘Unique, special case’, stressing that “This is not a return of objects, but the restoration of the historical and architectural integrity of a monument.”

Also mentioned the ongoing talks between London and Athens based on the rolling of important Greek exhibits that have never left Greece.

In contrast, the Lord Parkinson appeared open to the possibility of ‘borrowing‘ But not in the definitive return of the sculptures to Greece. As he typically said, the law does not prohibit the British Museum from lending objects, it does it with about 2000 from its objects each year.

The manifestation of Parthenon Project took place in climate of growing optimism for a new cultural agreement between the British Museum and the Acropolis Museum. In addition to the return of the sculptures, such a framework of cooperation could also provide for the exhibition of rare Greek antiquities in London, such as the famous Agamemnon Position, which has never left Greece.

In the meantime, public findings show that British society is mature for such a development. According to a Yougov poll, 64% of Britons support the return of sculptures, as long as there is exchanges of Greek museums. In addition, 77% are in favor of strengthening international cultural partnerships between museums.

Parthenon project co -chairman and former Minister of Culture, Lord Edi Vezi, described the new era for the British Museum as “An important opportunity for international partnerships, attracting resources and enriching collections.” As he pointed out:

“We have a unique opportunity to create an equal cooperation with one of our strongest European allies, enhancing cultural and educational opportunities for younger generations in both countries.”

“This cultural partnership,” he added, “will be a model of mild power and diplomacy, with a mutual benefit for Britain and Greece.”