Peter Jones

Where do the Elgin marbles belong? 

[Getty Images] 
issue 28 January 2023

Where should the Elgin marbles be on show? Their display in the Duveen gallery of the British Museum is not impressive.

To put it crudely, a Greek temple consisted of a sturdy shoe box surrounded by columns. The purpose of the shoe box (cella) was two-fold: to support the massive weight of the roof, and to provide a secure house for the god, represented by a statue, to live in.

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