The British Museum is reportedly contemplating sending the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, to Greece on a permanent loan basis. This move could help address the contentious issue of ownership and display rights surrounding these artifacts. While the museum's chair George Osbourne supports this initiative, an official spokesperson clarified that no agreement has been finalized yet. The proposal may align with recent legislation allowing museums to dispose of items under moral obligations, thereby facilitating a long-term partnership that respects both institutions' interests.
If it were to go ahead, a loan would helpfully sidestep the issue of ownership, as while museums can't usually dispose of items, the 2022 Charities Act allows such disposals where there is a moral obligation to do so.
Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon Partnership are on-going and constructive. We believe that this kind of long term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world.
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