A throng gasped as a blue crate containing a 2.5-tonne slab of marble regarded as one of the most important works of antiquity, was hoisted by
a giant crane from the Acropolis in Greece. This was the first sculpture to legally leave the citadel since Phidias carved the artworks 2,500 years
ago. The sculptures are being transferred to a new museum 400 metres away.
The first to be shifted was half of the sculpture depicting the great Panathenaic procession. The other half was removed from the Parthenon in
Acropolis by Lord Elgin 200 years ago and sold to London's British Museum. Designed by the Swiss-American architect Bernard Tschumi, and
sponsored by the eu, the new museum, the Greeks hopes will repudiate the argument that modern Greece is incapable
of housing the treasures of its golden age. "Greece can now house the sculptures in a much better way than the British Museum," said David Hill of
the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.