Greece Slams British Museum for “Insulting” Gala Amid Parthenon Marbles

The Greek Ministry of Culture has issued a blistering statement condemning the British Museum’s decision to host its inaugural, high-profile “Pink Ball” fundraising gala in the Parthenon Marbles room (Room 18) on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

The exclusive event saw hundreds of wealthy guests dine and socialize among the contested ancient sculptures, prompting immediate outrage from Athens.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni accused the British Museum’s leadership of showing “provocative indifference” toward the integrity and moral value of the priceless cultural goods.

In an official announcement from the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Minister Mendoni delivered a direct critique of the Museum’s actions:

“The Ministry of Culture has repeatedly and consistently condemned dinners, receptions, and fashion shows organized in museum spaces where monuments and works of art are exhibited. Such actions are offensive to cultural goods and endanger the exhibits themselves.”

British Museum uses the Parthenon Marbles as “decorative elements”

Minister Mendoni specifically targeted the use of the Parthenon Marbles as set dressing for the lavish fundraiser:

“This is exactly what the leadership of the British Museum did this past Saturday, using the Parthenon Sculptures once again as decorative elements for the dinner they organized. The safety, integrity, and ethics of the monuments should be the main concern of the British Museum, which, once again, demonstrates provocative indifference.”

The gala, which required the closure of the gallery to the public, was intended to become the Museum’s signature fundraising event, drawing inspiration from New York’s Met Gala to finance its international partnerships and modernization efforts.

Athens views the act of hosting a commercial, high-society event around the sculptures as further proof that the British Museum treats the Marbles not as invaluable artifacts of humanity, but as mere decorative property.

Related: Greece, British Museum Discuss ‘Long-Term Parthenon Marbles Loan’