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In an interview with Kathimerini Greece conducted by Alexis Papachelas, British Museum board chairman George Osborne said he remains optimistic that a long-running dispute over the Parthenon Sculptures can still be resolved through a shared arrangement that would see the 5th-century BC artefacts displayed in both Athens and London.
Osborne told the Greek newspaper that the institution favours a rotation system under which the marbles would spend periods of time in each city. Such a formula, he argued, would remain within the limits of British law, which permits loans of objects but does not allow permanent returns without a change in statute by Parliament.
He noted that the sculptures have remained in London since the early 19th century and described any rotation agreement as a significant departure from that history. Under the proposed approach an increasing share of the frieze and related pieces could gradually spend time in Greece while reciprocal exchanges of other Greek antiquities would take place.
Reports that negotiations with the Greek government had broken down were acknowledged, yet Osborne insisted that the will for a settlement still exists. He stressed the need for humility given the two-century length of the disagreement and said practical politics often prove harder than stated intentions.
British law, he explained, places clear boundaries on the museum’s options. Trustees may authorise temporary loans of sensitive items, as shown by the current loan of Asante crown jewels to Ghana and earlier loans such as the Cyrus Cylinder to Iran. Permanent restitution, however, would require new legislation, a step that rests with elected members of Parliament rather than the museum itself.
Osborne defended the British Museum’s role as a place where objects from many civilisations are shown side by side. He pointed out that the institution expects 7.5 million visitors this year, the majority from outside Britain, and maintained that the Parthenon pieces contribute to a comparative story of human cultures rather than a narrative focused solely on one site.
He confirmed that he has visited the Acropolis Museum and regards it as an outstanding institution that presents the physical context of the Acropolis and the history of Athenian democracy. In his view the two museums tell complementary rather than identical stories.
A major renovation of the British Museum galleries that currently house the sculptures is planned. Osborne said the works would create a natural moment for progress on an agreement, though the marbles will remain on public view elsewhere in the building during construction. He also observed that Athens is itself undertaking extensive renovations at the National Archaeological Museum.
With three years remaining in his term as chairman, he said he hopes an understanding can be reached before he leaves the post. He described the present timing as favourable and stated that he approaches the discussions in good faith, seeking a practical compromise that neither side regards as complete victory yet still constitutes a clear advance.
