Greece has repatriated five ancient artifacts from the United States following a formal handover ceremony at the Greek Consulate General in Chicago in another significant return of cultural property to the country.
The objects include two black-figure vessels from Attic workshops as well as an amphora and an olpe, both dating to the 6th century BC. Also included are a bronze mirror from the Late Archaic-Classical period, a headless marble statue of Hermes dated to between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, and a fragment of a relief portraying the goddess Athena from the 2nd century AD.
The antiquities had been acquired by the family of Richard and Mary L. Gray in the 1970s and 1980s. In May 2025, their three children, Harry, Jennifer, and Paul Gray, contacted the Greek authorities and jointly moved forward with their voluntary return. The process was completed yesterday under the responsibility of the Directorate for the Documentation and Protection of Cultural Goods at the Ministry of Culture.
Chicago ceremony marks return of Greece’s ancient artifacts
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni received the artifacts during a special ceremony in Chicago and described the repatriation as another important homecoming for Greek cultural heritage. She praised the Gray family’s decision to return the antiquities as an act of generosity, responsibility, and a strong sense of justice. She also highlighted the important role private citizens can play in safeguarding cultural heritage. In addressing Jennifer Gray, who attended the ceremony, Mendoni expressed her gratitude to the family for its stance and contribution.
The minister emphasized that voluntary returns of antiquities are major achievements for Greece and noted that more than two hundred objects have been repatriated in recent years from seventeen countries across all continents, a result that reflects the efficiency of the country’s strategy and the trust established between the Greek state and individuals abroad.
Officials and diplomats recognized for their role
Greek Minister of Culture Mendoni said that each repatriation involves extensive work, systematic research, and responsible guidance and added that those who return Greek antiquities rightfully stand among the friends of Greek culture and are considered allies in the fight against antiquities trafficking.
Mendoni also thanked the Gray family for its decision, along with Greek diplomats and other Ministry of Culture officials who contributed to the successful completion of the repatriation. She extended special recognition to former Consul General in San Francisco Grigorios Tassiopoulos for his handling of the case in its early stage, as well as to Consul General in Chicago Emmanouil Koubarakis for his contribution during the final phase.
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