‘I will continue to offer my support to the Greek government to ensure the
return of the Parthenon Marbles.’
- Jeff Kennett, opening Hellenic Antiquities Museum, 9th November 1998

‘The Government believes that any general attempt to return legally acquired
objects to their countries of origin could involve dispersing most of the
world's great collections.’
- Statement from British Ministry of Culture

State Premiers of New South Wales and Victoria have made public statements
of support for the repatriation of the Parthenon marbles. Is this Olympic
opportunism or noble sentiment?

Free of colonial allegiance, Australia can reap the benefits of museum
diplomacy. The online edition of ‘Insite’ features the deal that made the
new Hellenic Antiquities Museum possible. We seek readers’ responses to this
antipodean initiative.

Also in this issue is Amanda Embury’s curious response to the previous
feature on zoos, as well as stories from Bosnia, Baghdad & Glasgow, and a
review of Mosaic software.

Insite is a bi-monthly publication of Museums Australia (Vic). The February
online edition is now available at
‘http://www.vicnet.net.au/~museaust/insite’