Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni’s recent visit to the United States was marked by significant events and meetings aimed at strengthening Greece-U.S. cultural relations. One of the highlights of her trip was the repatriation ceremony at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where an ancient bronze griffin’s head was returned to Greece. This artifact had been stolen from a museum in Olympia in 1936 and had been part of the MET’s collection since the early 70s. Max Hollein, the director of the MET, described the griffin’s head as one of the finest cast-bronze pieces in the museum’s ancient collection.
What made this repatriation particularly noteworthy was that it was not the result of a formal restitution claim by Greek authorities. Instead, The MET took the initiative in 2018 to investigate the origin of the griffin’s head and voluntarily returned it to Greece. Minister Mendoni emphasized the significance of this gesture, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage preservation and cooperation between nations in combating illicit trafficking of antiquities.
During her visit, Minister Mendoni also received 11 ancient Greek artifacts from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, a result of the partnership between the office and the Greek Government. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos played a crucial role in facilitating the return of these artifacts and was honored with the Medal of the Order of the Phoenix for his contributions to the repatriation process. The collaboration between the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Greek authorities exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved through international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage.
In Washington DC, Minister Mendoni met with U.S. officials, including Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Darren Beattie and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Scott Weinhold. The discussions focused on strategies to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities and ways to enhance Greece-U.S. cooperation in cultural matters. These meetings underscored the shared commitment of both countries to safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting cultural exchange.
Minister Mendoni’s visit to the United States not only highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage but also showcased the positive outcomes that can be achieved through international collaboration. The repatriation of the ancient bronze griffin’s head and the return of ancient Greek artifacts are significant steps towards protecting and promoting cultural heritage. By working together, Greece and the United States are setting an example for other nations in the global effort to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities and preserve our shared cultural legacy.
