By the Numbers: No-return policy

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Britain’s possession of other nations’ artifacts remains a diplomatic sore spot

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2,500 years

The age of the Elgin Marbles, Greek sculptures that decorated Athens’ Parthenon until a British aristocrat removed them in the early 19th century and brought them to England, where they now sit on display at the British Museum. The U.K.’s ongoing possession of other nations’ artifacts has caused countless diplomatic rows and even led the British prime minister to cancel a Nov. 28 meeting with his Greek counterpart after the latter reiterated the call for the sculptures’ return.

23,000

The estimated number of cultural relics at the British Museum that came from China, according to a Nov. 29 Chinese state media editorial demanding repatriation.

1963

The year Parliament passed a law prohibiting officials at the British Museum from the repatriation of artifacts to other nations.

8 million

The total number of objects housed in the British Museum, with just 1 percent of the collection on display at any given time.

Culture & Arts