The British Museum has decided to loan the Meidias Hydria, an ancient Greek vase dating back to 420 BC, to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece. This move marks the first time in 250 years that the vase, a masterpiece by the Meidias artist, has left the confines of the British Museum.
The vase has traditionally been on display at the British Museum, and its temporary loan is a part of the ongoing partnership between the British Museum and Greek museums. The exhibition at the Acropolis Museum, “Meanings: Personifications and Allegories from Antiquity to Today,” will run from December 4 to April 14, 2024.
The vase loan happens while the chairman of the British Museum, George Osborne, expressed optimism about a potential agreement with Greece. Speaking at the annual trustees’ dinner in the Duveen Gallery, he emphasized the museum’s willingness to consider a temporary return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens in exchange for unseen ancient artifacts in the UK. He urged for a practical and rational partnership with Greece that doesn’t require relinquishing claims or altering laws.
Previously, Osborne highlighted the controversial nature of the sculptures and their significance in portraying ancient Athens’ history at the British Museum. The chairman acknowledged the longstanding standoff with Greece and lamented the disparity in engagement with Greek museums compared to other countries.
Main Image :Meidias Hydra vase, British Museum