A remarkable archaeological treasure has been repatriated to its rightful home. The bronze head of a griffin, which had been housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, has now returned to Ancient Olympia, where it will be displayed at the Archaeological Museum.

A Significant Homecoming

The artifact’s official handover took place on Friday evening, with Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, overseeing the event. She described the moment as highly significant for both Ancient Olympia and the Ministry of Culture.

"After decades of absence, the griffin has returned from the Metropolitan Museum of New York to its natural home, the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia," said Mendoni. "This is an exceptional find, one that was forcibly removed from its origins. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Archaeological Service—especially the Directorate of Documentation and Protection of Cultural Property at the Ministry of Culture—and with the cooperation and goodwill of the Metropolitan Museum, it has been restored to the place where it belongs. For many years, it adorned a large bronze cauldron, a votive offering to Olympian Zeus."

A Masterpiece of Ancient Greek Metalwork

The bronze griffin head, which once decorated a tripod cauldron, dates back to 650–625 BCE. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek metallurgy, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the era.

The artifact’s return follows a formal ceremony at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in late February, where Minister Mendoni received the griffin head from MET Director Max Hollein. Until its repatriation, the artifact had been prominently displayed in the Greek and Roman Antiquities wing of the museum.

A Symbol of Cultural Heritage

The return of the griffin head marks another milestone in Greece’s ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural treasures that were removed from the country. It now stands as a testament to the enduring significance of Ancient Olympia and its rich artistic and religious heritage.