Economist: The Parthenon Sculptures may return to Greece in 2025

The British Museum and the government seem ready for a deal with Greece - "Maybe there will be an exchange with other antiquities from Greece" writes the magazine

In 2025, the Parthenon Sculptures “may finally be relocated, or at least negotiations over their status could take a significant leap forward.”

This is highlighted by The Economist in its annual publication for the upcoming year’s predictions, which is set to be released digitally tomorrow and in print form next week.

As The Economist points out, both the British Museum and the UK government appear ready to reach an agreement with Greece regarding the Parthenon Marbles.

“A 1963 law prohibits the Museum from relinquishing its treasures, and the government is unlikely to amend it,” the magazine notes. However, it clarifies that both the Museum’s Chairman, George Osborne, and its new director, Nicholas Cullinan, described as a reformist, support the idea of a long-term loan for the Marbles, potentially in exchange for other antiquities from Greece.

The magazine also highlights a statement by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has indicated that he would not stand in the way if an agreement is reached between the two sides.

Furthermore, it emphasizes that the British Museum’s long-standing claim to be the sole custodian of the Marbles has been fundamentally undermined. This is especially true after revelations that a Museum employee allegedly stole nearly 2,000 artifacts, some of which were being sold openly on eBay.

The article recalls a 2023 YouGov poll in which 49% of the British public supported the return of the Marbles, while only 15% opposed such a move.

The Economist also provides a broader perspective, suggesting that globally, 2025 could mark significant progress in the repatriation of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin. It cites examples of returned antiquities from leading museums in recent years and notes that this trend is expected to accelerate in the coming year.