Museum of Light: The New Acropolis Museum and the Campaign to Repatriate the Elgin Marbles

The New Acropolis Museum, designed to replicate the natural light conditions of the Parthenon, has become a powerful tool in the campaign for the repatriation of the Elgin Marbles. While it is often argued that the sculptures are best appreciated under Athens' bright sunlight, this study challenges that assumption, asserting that the museum's design, driven by political motives, actually disrupts the original architectural context in which these marbles were displayed in 5th century BC. The research examines how the emphasis on natural light, both during the construction of the museum and in repatriation campaigns, has shaped perceptions and arguments surrounding the display and ownership of the Elgin Marbles.

Beresford, J. M. (2015). Museum of Light: The New Acropolis Museum and the Campaign to Repatriate the Elgin Marbles. Architecture_MPS, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444.amps.2015v7i1.001