Famed Scottish actor Brian Cox, known for his role in Succession, has taken a clear stance in favor of returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.
Speaking exclusively to Greek state broadcaster ERT, Cox commented on the occasion of the world premiere of the documentary The Marbles at the Stirling Documentary Festival in Scotland.
Asked when the issue became personal for him, Cox said: “It is so obvious that the Marbles should be returned to Greece. They shouldn’t be in the British Museum. I know it will be a hard pill for some to swallow, but we have to see it historically. The Marbles were acquired at a time when Greece was under Ottoman rule. In a way, it was a false moment to remove anything from Greece. Since they are Greek, they should be returned. It’s logical. And I think we need to be mature and brave enough to say: let them go.”
Cox was clear when asked about the main argument for reunification: “They don’t belong to us. It’s that simple. They do not belong in the British Museum. They came via Lord Elgin, but it was legally questionable. I don’t see what the issue is.”
He added: “When you remove something from its environment, you diminish it, you alienate it from its place. It must be restored where it comes from.”
Cox also addressed the claim that the Marbles are part of British heritage: “The Marbles are the Parthenon. It’s that simple. They became part of British heritage under questionable circumstances. We have no right to possess them. It’s like taking the Eiffel Tower and putting it in Blackpool.”
On steps that could lead to reunification, he noted: “It’s logical. They come from Greece. They were removed at a time when Greece had no say — it was under Ottoman occupation. Now Greece is stable and the Marbles should return. It’s that simple.”
Closing with a pointed example, Cox said: “If the Marbles were in Scotland, they would have been returned years ago. Now they have been preserved, Greece is stable, and they should go back. It’s that simple. End of story.”
When asked what he would say to the British Museum, he responded unequivocally: “Give the Marbles back to where they come from.”
The interview coincides with the release of the documentary The Marbles, directed by David Wilkinson, which explores the historical, political, and cultural context of Greece’s claim. The film premieres on October 30 at the Stirling Documentary Festival, reigniting discussion over one of the world’s most significant cultural treasures returning to its home, the Parthenon.
