I was almost persuaded this summer. But I think there are numerous reasons why I think the situation as it stands with half in each place is pretty good. It's probably the best situation because I think objects do different things in different places. In the British Museum, I think you understand them in relationship to other cultures. And so that's why I'm firmly on the side of retaining them.
Should the British Museum return the Elgin Marbles, taken from the Parthenon in Athens about 200 years ago? What should be the purpose of museums, education or social justice? Listen as Tiffany Jenkins, author of Keeping Their Marbles, discusses these questions and more with EconTalk host Russ Roberts.