Greece Teams Up with Australian Committees for Return of Parthenon Marbles

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with members of the Australian Parthenon Association. Photo source: Culture Ministry

As part of ongoing efforts by the Greek Culture Ministry to raise awareness for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni met with the national committees dedicated to the cause during her visit to Australia this week.

Mendoni met with David Hill and George Vardas, president and vice president of the Australian Parthenon Association, and with Emmanuel Comino, president of the International Organizing Committee – Australia for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles, in Sydney, where she briefed them on actions involving the return of the sculptures to Greece.

Lina Mendoni with members of the Kytherian Association of Australia and “Australia for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles” President Emmanuel Comino. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The minister also informed the committees about developments following UNESCO’s call last fall on the British Museum to reconsider repatriating the Parthenon Marbles and to enter talks on the issue.

In September, Athens will be hosting a meeting of national committees from around the world which are lobbying for the return of the Marbles. She said the event in Athens aims to coordinate and boost joint efforts for the repatriation of the Marbles.

The Parthenon Marbles. Photo Source: @British Museum

Greece has repeatedly appealed to the British Museum to return the 2,500-year-old marble sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon facade on the Acropolis in Athens. The art works are currently on show at the British Museum.

During her visit to Sydney, Mendoni also met with diaspora organizations and discussed ways to further promote Greek heritage and culture through events and activities.

She also met with lecturers and students at the Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies department of the University of Sydney and pledged the ministry’s support of their actions.

Lina Mendoni with representatives of Hellenic Lyceum Sydney. Photo source: Culture Ministry

Earlier today, Mendoni arrived in Melbourne, where she will inaugurate the “Open Horizons – Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections” archaeological exhibition at the Melbourne Museum held in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum.