The Elgin Marbles featured in The British Museum

The Elgin Marbles are a collection of Greek marble sculptures featured today in the British Museum. They were created mostly by a Greek sculptor named Phidias during the building of the Parthenon between 447 BC and 432 BC to adorn the inside with carvings of historical scenes. Lord Elgin acquired the sculptures in 1801 during his time as an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire and transported them back to Britain. They were then purchased by the British Parliament in 1816 and have remained in The British Museum ever since. The location of the Marbles continue to be a topic of major controversy in Europe because Greece demands them back, saying they were illegally obtained originally, while the British believe they were legally purchased and should remain in the museum where they are today.

I did not know much about The Elgin Marbles and their history before visiting The British Museum in London. We had held a class discussion about the morality of the British refusing to return the Marbles to the Greeks, with a very mixed class response. I believe that this piece of history should be returned to its rightful owner, the Greeks, because of the value the Marbles hold in Greek history. However, they have become a major part of The British Museum, and represent the heavy Greek influence in Britain at the time they were placed there, so I understand the justification of Britain refusing to return them, especially if they were, in fact, obtained legally. Regardless of my personal opinion of the situation, I found the concept of one country hoarding another’s artifacts very interesting. I began wondering how the United States would handle a similar situation if another country were to refuse to return one of our treasured artifacts. Prior to visiting the museum, I did not understand the true historical importance of The Elgin Marbles. I did not realize the sculptures featured influential historical figures and war battles. I also did not expect the quantity and complexity of them by only viewing a few pictures in class prior to the trip. Learning about The Elgin Marbles while at The British Museum was an eye-opening cultural experience.

I was very overwhelmed when physically seeing The Elgin Marbles during our visit to The British Museum. I also learned that the correct name for them is “The Parthenon Marbles.” They exceeded my expectations in the sense that there were many more pieces in the museum than I thought, covering the length of multiple walls. Before visiting, I did not have a strong opinion on whether the sculptures should be returned to Greece or not. After visiting The British Museum and seeing the marbles in person, I cannot imagine them being removed and sent back. They were legally granted to Great Britain and have become a part of their culture, and I believe they should remain in the museum in their current state. The Parthenon Marbles were by far my favorite part of The British Museum.