The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, could be sent back to Greece on loan, despite UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak causing a diplomatic rift over their return. The marbles were removed from Athens by Lord Elgin in the 19th century when he was the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

Ownership of the Marbles

Ex-Tory Chancellor George Osborne, who is now the chair of the British Museum, insists that any loan deal would not alter the ownership of the marbles. He stated that the museum trustees and the Greek government are both open to a deal, even if the British government is not currently engaging in discussions.

Possible Agreement

Osborne suggested that an agreement could be reached where a portion of the marbles would be on display in Athens at any given time, while some Greek treasures that have never left Greece would be displayed at the British Museum.

Lending Artefacts

Greece's Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, recently stated that Greece would be willing to lend important historical artefacts to the UK in exchange for the loan of the Elgin Marbles.

Despite the diplomatic rift caused by Rishi Sunak, it seems that there is still a possibility of the Elgin Marbles returning to Greece, even if it is on a temporary basis.