THE MARBLES is a compelling new documentary examining one of history’s most controversial cultural disputes—the removal of the Parthenon Marbles—and the ongoing campaign to return them to Greece. From imperial acquisition to modern-day advocacy, this is the story of heritage, identity, and justice.
Professor Dan Hicks is Professor of Contemporary Archaeology at the University of Oxford, Curator at the Pitt Rivers Museum. For over thirty years Dan has researched the material and visual culture of the human past, up to and including the modern, colonial, contemporary and digital worlds His work operates across the “four As”: Archaeology, Anthropology Art, and Architecture. Author of nine books, including The Brutish Museums and Every Monument Will Fall. We are honoured to have him discussing the subject of the film; the heated discussion of decolonising our museums and the call to give Greece back The Parthenon Marbles.
We’re thrilled to announce that Thangam Débonnaire will be joining our panel discussion. Thangam is co-chair of the Parthenon Project, a Labour Peer, CEO of UK Opera Association, chair of the judges for Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2026, and CEO of Red Frock Ltd, which provides strategic advice for arts and culture organisations and businesses. She has a particular focus on the political economy of arts and culture.
In 1801, Lord Elgin controversially removed half the Parthenon’s sculptures, sparking a backlash from his contemporaries that continues today. What followed was a 200-year diplomatic battle between Greece and Britain over cultural patrimony. When respected actress and politician Melina Mercouri challenged the British Museum in 1983, she transformed the issue into an international cause that redefined how we think about cultural ownership.
This thoughtful documentary, filmed over five years starting on the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, reveals the complexities of museum ethics, cultural policy, and the competing claims surrounding ancient artefacts. From Athens to London, it’s a tale of empire, resistance, and redemption—with Scotland emerging as an unlikely hero.
The debate continues to evolve, raising fundamental questions about the rightful ownership of ancient treasures. The question isn’t just about marble sculptures—it’s about how we value and preserve cultural heritage.
★★★★★ – Film Review Daily
★★★★ – The Financial Times
★★★★ – The Guardian
This event is a film screening, discussion and book signing. Details about book sales will be online shortly.Starring:
Prof Dan Hicks, Janet Suzman, Brian Cox, Patricia Allen, Ioannis Raptakis, Mark Stephens CBE, Neil Curtis
Directed By:
David Nicholas Wilkinson
Running time:
175 mins