Greek First Lady Urges Parthenon Sculptures' Return, Citing Vatican Precedent

Greece’s First Lady Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis has appealed for the "reunification" of the Parthenon’s missing sculptures, telling a Westminster gathering that the time has come "to restore the integrity of this monument."

Her plea comes amid renewed international momentum and a Vatican decision to return fragments of the ancient artifacts.

Speaking at a Parthenon Project event attended by actors, lawmakers, and cultural leaders, Ms.Grabowski-Mitsotakis said France’s recent return of three Parthenon fragments by Pope Francis "gives us hope" that the British Museum will follow suit.

"The monument was dismembered — now its severed parts must be brought home to their rightful setting," she said.

In a panel discussion on the future of the Parthenon Marbles, Ms. Grabowski-Mitsotakis joined prominent figures including Sir Stephen Fry, former shadow culture minister Baroness Debbonaire, Lord Frost, and Lord Parkinson in urging a "win-win" agreement with Britain.

"These sculptures gain their full meaning only when reunited with the temple," she said, adding that Athens has already created the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum specifically designed to house the complete collection.

The Parthenon Project campaign advocates for a mutually beneficial solution that would allow the British Museum to retain certain displays while returning the core sculptures to Greece, arguing that the sculptures' artistic and historical narrative can only be fully understood in their original context.

Lord Frost, once Britain’s Brexit negotiator, told the audience, "I cannot see what we gain by continuing to say ‘no,’" and called for the sculptures’ return "as a gift without conditions." Baroness Debbonaire noted that empty display spaces in the Acropolis Museum "await" their rightful contents, ready to receive the artifacts if they are returned.

A recent YouGov poll found that 64% of Britons support returning the Parthenon Marbles if Greece lends other unique Greek artworks in exchange, and 77% back increased international collaboration between museums.

Lord Vaizey, former UK culture minister and co-chair of the Parthenon Project, called the moment "a unique opportunity to forge a cultural partnership that benefits both Britain and Greece, enriching collections and educational exchanges for future generations."

The British Museum, which legally owns the sculptures under UK law, has long maintained that they were acquired legitimately and are best displayed as part of a universal collection.

However, pressure for their return has intensified, with Greece consistently arguing that the sculptures are an integral part of its national heritage and should be reunited with the remaining pieces in Athens. Reports as recently as October 2024 and January 2025 suggested a deal might be "close" according to some Greek officials, though the British Museum's public stance remains unchanged regarding the 1963 act that prevents permanent disposal and its willingness to loan only if ownership is acknowledged.

This contrasts with Greece's demand for full reunification rather than a loan.

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