Thanasis Gavos

For the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures in Athens stands once more the majority of Britons in a poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Parthenon Project.

52% support the return of the Sculptures which are in the British Museum, compared to 15% who want them to stay in London.

However, the percentage in favor of reunification increases to 64% if the exhibition of other ancient Greek treasures is ensured in the British Museum in the context of a cultural exchange, as proposed by the Parthenon Project and the Greek government. 12% disagree with the repatriation of the Sculptors even with this exchange.

Of particular interest is the position of 61% of the respondents in favor of changing the law to allow museums such as the British to send exhibits back to their country of origin. This result intensifies the pressure on the British government to intervene in the matter, despite its referrals so far to the management of the British Museum.

77%, moreover, support an increase in cultural collaborations, such as the one proposed by the Parthenon Project as a framework for the return of the Sculptures.

In fact, 68% accept that such partnerships would improve the UK’s relationship with other countries, such as Greece.

53% would like to admire other Greek exhibits in the British Museum.

Regarding the implications of a repatriation of the Sculptures for the British Museum, 69% state that it would not influence the decision to visit the London cultural institution. 12%, in fact, say they would be more interested in visiting the British Museum. Only 4% say there would be reduced interest.

Finally, it is sensational that 77% of respondents admit that they have never seen the Parthenon Sculptures on display in London.

In the previous relevant poll of the same company, in October 2022, 53% supported the return of the Sculptors to Athens.

The British Museum says discussions about the fate of the Sculptures are “ongoing and constructive”.

The BBC commented that while the British position is firm against changing the law and the permanent return of the Sculptures to Greece, the pressure to find a solution continues, with the Chairman of the Trustees of the British Museum, George Osborne, saying he is seeking a cooperative and mutually beneficial solution.

Parthenon Project Chairman and former UK Secretary of State for Culture Lord Ed Vesey called the poll results a “boost” to the negotiations.

The poll was conducted on a sample of 2,294 adults between June 20-21.