Parthenon Marbles
The Parthenon Marbles Dispute Several art museums around the world have been created with the sole purpose to culturally enlighten and entertain us. An appropriate example is the local Nelson Atkins Museum, right here in our own backyard of Kansas City, where collections from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Japan increase our understanding and appreciation for different geographical regions. In England, the British Museum is arguably one of the best in the world at displaying this kind of internationalism, with numerous pieces from numerous places. One particular piece, however, is passionately debated over: the Parthenon Marbles. Acquired from Lord Elgin in 1812 (willingly with the Ottoman Empire and unwillingly with the Greeks) and placed on display, it’s been over 200 years and now Greece is politely asking for their marbles back. This essay explores both sides of the argument over these marbles, first examining reasons for and against the return of the marbles to Athens, and finally prioritizing to make the best possible decision. The first arguments have to do with the positive implications of bringing the marbles back to their country of origin. When arguing for return of the marbles, it is declared that it would be best for the artwork to be home where it belongs. In this way, the marbles can be seen in original context as they were meant to be seen. With a museum built specifically for their return, they would remain safe as well. The marbles would also be reunited with their other parts and become whole once again, a positive outcome for the art. Built as a memorial to 192 ancient soldiers, integrity and respect would be restored, something desperately needed in this struggling country. This would not only make Greece overwhelmingly proud and ecstatic, but could assist them in their debt situation and bring in some revenue. The passion seen from the Greek audience members that watched this debate was quite moving, a significant concept to think about in