Greece strongly condemned the charity dinner hosted by British Museum V Duinskaya gallerywhere they are exhibited Parthenon marbles. In a statement from the Ministry of Culture, this event is called “offensive and unacceptable”.
Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni noted that such actions “are an insult to cultural property and pose a threat to the exhibits themselves” She emphasized that Greek Ministry of Culture has repeatedly condemned the holding of receptions and fashion shows in halls where monuments and works of art are displayed. “The safety, integrity and ethics of monuments should be the top priority of a museum that once again displays provocative indifference“, said the minister.
Even before the official statement from the ministry, she responded to the situation Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakiwife of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In her social media post, she wrote: “At a time when public discussion about reuniting the monument has begun, the museum’s decision to hold an event in this hall is not only extremely inappropriate, but also deeply disrespectful.”
The event was attended by about 800 representatives of British high societyincluding Mayor of London Sadiq Khanformer prime minister Rishi Sunakwho opposes the return of Greek sculptures, as well as celebrities – Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Kristin Scott Thomas And Sacha Baron Cohen. The cost of participation in the dinner was £2,000 per person.
This is not the first time that Greece protests against such actions British Museum. In February 2024, a fashion show took place in the same hall, causing a strong reaction from Athens. Despite the outrage, the museum administration has not changed its policy.
Context: the issue of the return of marbles
Greece has been seeking a return for decades Parthenon marblestaken from Athens in the 19th century by Lord Elgin and exhibited in London. In recent years, the issue has become acute again, especially after Athens proposed models of “long-term borrowing” and joint supervision. The Greek side perceived the holding of a charity dinner among these exhibits as demonstrative neglect.
As analysts note, such incidents increase diplomatic tension between Athens and London, while public opinion in Great Britain is increasingly inclined in favor of return of marbles to Greece.
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