Encourages the United Kingdom to negotiate with Greece for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, removed in the early 19th century and a symbol of Greek culture.
Nicole Malliotakis
Representative
NY-11
This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that the Parthenon Marbles, removed from Greece in the early 19th century, should be returned. It highlights the Parthenon's significance to Greek culture and argues the return of the marbles would demonstrate respect for Greece and classical art. The bill encourages the United Kingdom to negotiate with Greece for the repatriation of these sculptures.
House Resolution Calls for Return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece: Negotiations with UK Encouraged
This resolution is the House of Representatives saying they think the Parthenon Marbles, currently held by the British Museum, should be returned to Greece. The bill lays out the history, noting that the marbles were taken by Lord Elgin between 1801 and 1816, while Greece was under Ottoman rule—a period described in the resolution as involving "questionable circumstances." Since gaining independence in 1830, Greece has officially requested their return. This resolution formalizes the U.S. House's support for that effort.
Marbles and Diplomacy
The core of the bill is a call for the United Kingdom to sit down with Greece and negotiate the marbles' return. It points out that returning the sculptures would show the UK's respect for both the Parthenon itself and classical art. The resolution also mentions the New Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, which was purpose-built to house the remaining marbles and displays replicas of those held in the British Museum.
Real-World Ripple
While this resolution doesn't force any action (it's not a law), it's a significant symbolic gesture. Think of it like an official recommendation from the U.S. House. For the average person, this means:
- Cultural Heritage: If the marbles are returned, it would be a big win for those who believe artifacts should be displayed in their country of origin. It could set a precedent for other similar cases around the world.
- Museum Visits: Anyone planning a trip to Athens might eventually see a more complete Parthenon collection at the New Acropolis Museum.
- International Relations: This resolution could nudge the UK and Greece to work things out, potentially improving diplomatic relations. It also subtly positions the U.S. as a supporter of Greece in this long-standing cultural debate. The resolution acknowledges that the removal took place under "questionable circumstances." This framing implicitly supports Greece's claim without directly accusing the British Museum or the UK government of wrongdoing.
The Big Picture
This resolution fits into a larger, ongoing conversation about who owns history and where artifacts belong. While it won't change anything overnight, it adds the voice of the U.S. House of Representatives to the calls for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned to their original home.