The so-called Elgin Marbles are one of the best-known cases of contested cultural objects in museums. They comprise a large group of sculptures and reliefs that were removed from the Parthenon temple in Athens by a British lord in the early 19th century. Today, they reside in the British Museum. Greece has been actively seeking their return since the 1980s, and many international organizations have advocated on Greece’s behalf, including several in Britain. This talk will examine the arguments that have been made in support of the Greek case and how they have changed over time. In particular, the talk will focus on long-standing assertions about the alleged “exceptionalism” of the Parthenon sculptures and whether such arguments help or harm the larger cause of the decolonization of museums.

Dr. Elizabeth Marlowe is a professor of art history, the chair of the art department, and the founder and director of the program in Museum Studies at Colgate University. She is an AIA Joukowsky Lecturer for the 2024–2025 National Lecture Program season.

This event is free and open to the public, sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America. Please join us in Room 125 of Newberry Hall at the Kelsey Museum.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessing this event, visit our accessibility page at https://myumi.ch/zwPkd or contact the education office by calling (734) 647-4167. We ask for advance notice as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.