We also went to the British Museum--I mean the New Acropolis Museum, which was built entirely for the purpose of gently persuading the British to return the Elgin Marbles. As you may know, back in 18something, "Lord Elgin and his crew stole" many of the sculptural works that adorned the Parthenon. Recently, the Athenians built a scale replica of the Parthenon on the 4th floor the museum with placeholder replicas of the marbles. It was interesting to note that replicas of the ones in "British custody" look very obviously fake (clean plaster, seams from the casting), while the ones that are replicas of the sculptures that are being preserved have been aged to look like the originals. Unfortunately, we were yelled at by a guard that we couldn't take pictures. Reminding him that in the British Museum they let you take pictures seemed like a bad idea.
Curiously enough, Randall recently visited the British Museum, where they have pamphlets explaining to visitors why they aren't giving them back (just yet), and where they prominently display the signed document from the then Turkish ruler of Athens giving him permission to take them. Yet another reason why the Greeks don't like the Turks.
Oh, and the architecture of this museum is amazing, if a bit unnerving. The floors are almost entirely of glass so you can see the ruins that were discovered during the construction.
Too....many....joke....possibilities.
ReplyDeleteThe Brits should say, "You know, you're right; they are yours. We'd be willing to take a long term lease on them, though. What's your price?"