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Greece blocks loan of 12 Parthenon sculptures to Frankfurt

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 12:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Greece’s Central Archaeological Council voted against loaning 12 Parthenon Sculptures to Frankfurt’s Liebieghaus.
The council voted on September 1 after learning the sculptures would be displayed with two British Museum pieces.
British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan said the 1963 British Museum Act prohibits permanent disposal of its collection.
At the May UNESCO ICPRCP session, Greece argued British insistence on loans stalls a permanent return solution.

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Story summary

Greece’s Central Archaeological Council voted against loaning 12 Parthenon Sculptures to Frankfurt’s Liebieghaus.
The council voted on September 1 after learning the sculptures would be displayed with two British Museum pieces.
British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan said the 1963 British Museum Act prohibits permanent disposal of its collection.
At the May UNESCO ICPRCP session, Greece argued British insistence on loans stalls a permanent return solution.