FM Gerapetritis at Parthenon Project event: ‘Gap’ in the Parthenon needs to be remedied
There is an artistic ‘gap’ in the Parthenon that needs to be remedied, Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis said at an event on the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures held by The Parthenon Project on Monday, 30 September 2024.
Gerapetritis said that the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures “is a unique case. It is an unprecedented case. It does not resemble any other case of the return of art works, because we must take into account the fact there is an artistic ‘gap’ in the Parthenon that must be remedied. It is a case of reunification, it is not a case of return.” These antiquities are indivisable, not about whether there is a constitutional right for every person to enjoy the art of ancient history or civilization, he added. “The reunification is now a claim of universal character, and I think that we all need to emphasise this parameter,” the minister underlined.
The minister referred to strong popular support for the reunification even within the United Kingdom, resolutions of UNESCO, and the precedents set by other museums of global reach such as the Museum of the Vatican or the Antonio Salinas in Palermo that returned works of art under the aegis of the Greek Ministry of Culture.
He also referred to the constructive talks with the British Museum held with the Greek Minister of Culture that have led to specific conditions for a strategic partnership of both sides that would allow the Parthenon Sculptures to return to Greece. Political support is significant, especially under a new government, the minister said, adding that there is optimism an agreement can be reached which will include other aspects as well, such as loans of objects for exhibitons.
“The Parthenon Sculptures are universal, but belong in Greece,” Gerapetritis said. And he concluded by saying, “Visiting the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum is a ‘viewing’, but visiting these Sculptures at the Acropolis Museum is a complete experience, a visit to the past and a vision for the future.”
Source: AMNA
