The British Museum could face legal action unless it abandons “covert and ideological” negotiations with Greece over the ...

The British Museum is banned by law from giving the sculptures back to Greece, but its leaders have held talks with Greek officials about a compromise, such as a long-term loan.

Greece has asked the British Museum to return all of the frieze in its collection, about 250 feet of carved stone that once wrapped around the Parthenon, on a long-term basis.

The sculptures, which originally adorned the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple on the Acropolis, have been displayed at the British Museum in London for more than two centuries.

Greece Culture Minister Lina Mendoni lambasted the British Museum after the Parthenon Marbles were used as a “backdrop” for a runway show during London Fashion Week. Mendoni told the Telegraph ...

Early in 2023, the British Museum and Greece entered talks over the return of the Parthenon Marbles, likely as part of a “ cultural exchange,” though the negotiations went nowhere.

Visitors view the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, at the British Museum in London on January 9, 2023. Photo: Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images.

It’s the question at the heart of a fracture between the Greek and British governments. For over 40 years, the Greek government has been pushing for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

The Parthenon sculptures, sometimes referred to as the “Elgin marbles,” on display at the British Museum in London. (Toby Melville/Reuters) ...

Greece’s Acropolis Museum has launched an exhibition that includes a renowned ancient Greek water jug from 420 B.C. on loan from the British Museum.

Greece's Acropolis Museum has launched an exhibition that includes a renowned ancient Greek water jug from 420 B.C. on loan from the British Museum.