The new museum in Athens is opening this weekend. There have been a few articles in the press and photos on the web but it is hard to get a good impression of the building and its displays. My first thoughts about the exterior is that it is gross/crass. Regarding the display of standing figures, well they should not be dwarfed by the architecture around them.
Regarding the moral blackmail which the Greeks are trying to use over the Elgin "marbles" I will say that the sculptures should stay in London . The suggestion that they could be loaned to Athens if British ownership was admitted was a foolish one to get into and one wonders if it is really the BM 's opinion. Repatriation of the "marbles", however much sentiment may urge it, would not be a good move from the point of view of museums in general. It has been allowed in the case of body parts from indigenous peoples or after looting during major wars. It would be a major operation to move these sculptures. They should not be moved except for conservation purposes. Maybe it was all a storm in a teacup.Perhaps Italy will ask for Veronese's Marriage at Cana to be sent back from the Louvre.The case seems to be similar.
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