Jaunted

Originally planned to open in time for the 2004 Olympics, political squabbling and legal battles regarding its location pushed the opening back to 2009, but now that it's finally open, it's sure to rekindle the longstanding debate between Greece and the United Kingdom over the Elgin Marbles.

As the story goes, between 1801 and 1812, British Lord Elgin, ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, had a large, intricately-detailed frieze removed from the Parthenon and shipped to England. The British felt entitled to it because they had obtained permission from Ottoman authorities, and justified their actions by saying that they were in a better position to take care of it for posterity. Not surprisingly, however, most modern-day Greeks say that the Marbles were stolen and should be returned, especially now that they have a cutting-edge museum in which to house them.

I'm sure each side has some valid claim to the artwork. The Brits may have sort-of stolen them, but they've also done a smashing job taking care of them and displaying them for all the world to see. They're good at that sort of thing. On the other hand, the idea of having all the major art from the Parthenon reunited in the New Acropolis Museum just feels right. Here's hoping they work something out soon.

In the meantime, this museum makes one of my favorite cities in the world that much more enticing. When it comes to the history of Western Civilization, it's hard to get closer to the source.

[Photo: The New York Times]

Related Stories:
· In Athens, Museum is an Olympian Feat [The New York Times]
· New Acropolis Museum [Official Site]
· Parthenon Pages [The British Museum]
· Greece Says Leave Your High Heels At Home [Jaunted]