Activist protests at British Museum gala demanding return of Parthenon Marbles

On October 21, 2026, activist Georgie Robertson staged a protest during a gala held at the British Museum in London. Wearing a red dress with a large sash explicitly calling for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, Robertson brought public attention to the ongoing dispute regarding the ownership of various artefacts held by the institution.

In an Instagram post following the event, Robertson characterized the museum’s possession of these items as an enduring scandal, alleging that many pieces in the collection were looted or taken by force during periods of colonial rule. She reported that museum security staff attempted to pressure her into removing her sash and actively tried to prevent her from being photographed, which she described as an attempt to suppress a legitimate public debate. Robertson further criticized the museum for its sponsorship ties to the energy company BP.

This incident adds to the long-standing international controversy surrounding the Parthenon Marbles, which Greece has consistently demanded be reunited at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. Robertson argued that national institutions must move away from the legacy of colonial looting to better align with contemporary ethical values.