Met returns stolen ancient griffin head to Greece

The 7th century BC artifact, once displayed in Olympia, was returned in a ceremony attended by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

“After decades of absence, the griffin returns from the Metropolitan Museum in New York to the place it belongs,” Ms. Mendoni said, praising the collaboration between the Culture Ministry and the Met.

The griffin, a mythical creature symbolizing strength and divine protection, will be displayed alongside a similar griffin head at the Olympia museum.

The Met, which has increased efforts to review its collection's origins, expressed gratitude for its partnership with the Greek government.

“We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Greek government and look forward to continued engagement and cultural exchange,” Met director Max Hollein said.

Greece has agreed to loan the griffin head back to the Met for future exhibitions.

The return comes amid a global shift toward repatriating significant artifacts, and Greece hopes this more open approach will aid its campaign for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum.