The Director General of the Acropolis Museum, Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis, journeyed to Yale University to deliver a pivotal keynote address for the annual Stavros Niarchos Foundation Lecture, organised by the Hellenic Studies Program. This celebrated event, spanning April 9-10, invited a rich tapestry of students, scholars, and cultural leaders to delve into Greece’s archaeological influence and the pressing discourse surrounding cultural heritage repatriation.
On the first day, Professor Stampolidis captivated his audience at Henry Luce Hall with his lecture, “Public Archaeology in Contemporary Greece”. Drawing from his extensive excavation experiences in Eleutherna, Crete, he illuminated the expansive role of public archaeology, which transcends mere excavation. He emphasised the synergy among scientific research, cultural heritage management, digital innovation, public engagement, tourism, and economic strategy.
During this insightful presentation, he stated, “Public archaeology today is not just about unearthing the past. It’s about connecting communities to their cultural roots, making knowledge accessible, and ensuring heritage is part of sustainable development.” He underlined the importance of community ties in fostering a lasting cultural identity.
On the next day, April 10, the professor shared his insights at a public panel on “Repatriating Cultural Heritage: The Parthenon Marbles and Beyond,” focusing on the global resurgence advocating for cultural artefacts to be returned home, particularly the Parthenon sculptures housed in the British Museum. This crucial dialogue featured esteemed panellists including Kostas Arkolakis and Antonia Bartoli, each bringing unique expertise to the discussion.
Reiterating Greece’s plea for the Parthenon sculptures’ reunification, Professor Stampolidis passionately declared, “These masterpieces were created as a unified whole and belong not just to Greece, but to the monument they were designed for.” His remarks highlighted the sculptures’ significance, framing their return as a crucial act of cultural justice.
This two-day event not only celebrated Yale’s dedication to Greek studies but also illustrated the essential role academic institutions play in shaping global dialogues on cultural heritage and identity.
Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis, Director General of the Acropolis Museum, delivered a keynote at Yale University discussing Greece’s cultural legacy and the concept of public archaeology. He emphasised the integration of cultural heritage management and community engagement. Additionally, he participated in a panel on the repatriation of the Parthenon sculptures, reiterating Greece’s call for their return as a matter of cultural justice.
In summary, Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis’s keynote at Yale University poignantly explored Greece’s archaeological contributions and the ongoing cultural heritage repatriation debate. His discussions emphasised the importance of public archaeology in connecting communities with their heritage, while the panel highlighted the pressing need to return artworks like the Parthenon sculptures to their rightful place. This event underlines the critical role of academia in fostering important conversations around cultural identity.
Original Source: greekcitytimes.com
