SHOULD MUSEUM GIVE BACK STOLEN ITEMS + ARTWORK?

By:

Johandalys Montas

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Johandalys Montas

<i>Home Institution</i>: Providence College <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2025 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Global Studies and Economics <i>Destination</i>: London, UK <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Hello <i>Program Provider</i>: IES <i>Demographics</i>: Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation American, First-Generation College Student <i>Future Career Goals</i>: Urban Planner <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: Before I begin my career as an urban planner, I want to learn about other architectural styles. I also want to learn how the socio-political context of different societies and communities can influence their infrastructural needs. Most importantly become a GLOBAL CITIZEN!

There is a lot of debate around the repatriation of stolen art, particularly that which is housed in the British Museum. Whether the Elgin Marbles are safer in London than they would have been in Athens was a topic we discussed in class. I respectfully disagree with the idea that the marbles are safer in London, regardless of the possibility of divergent views. The marbles were historically taken to stop their deterioration when Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. The marbles are now, however, safe and well-suited for storage at the Acropolis Museum in Greece, ensuring their defense against any harm.

It is also necessary to take into account the legal grounds for keeping such artifacts. The British Museum does not currently have a valid legal justification for owning these items. If repatriation is not possible, the museum can think about exhibiting copies, as they have in the past with other pieces of art. With this strategy, tourists would be able to appreciate the marbles’ cultural value without continuing to benefit unfairly from tourism. Artifacts may now be moved securely because of developments in transportation and technology. The British Museum should therefore give serious thought to returning all of the artworks they already own that were purchased in questionable ways. However, following polite dialogue and discussion, it might be decided to keep some items if the nation of origin no longer wants their return.

Will the British Museum ever take action toward repatriation is the remaining issue. It is a complicated matter that needs thoughtful deliberation and a readiness to rectify past injustices.