Stock Photo - May 05, 1961 - Permanent home for the famous Elgin Marbles - at the British Museum. campaign for their return to Athens.: The famous Elgin Marbles are on display at the Old Gallery of the British Museum - until work is completed on the restoration of the Duveen Gallery which is being prepared for them as a permanent home. the marbles were in vaults in various parts of the Museum during the war for safe-keeping until they were displayed again in September 1949. The campaign now in progress for the rerun of the marbles to Athens - is the last of many - opinion on their return is strongly divided. The Marbles were bought -- the 7th. Earl of Elgin (1766-1841) to preserve them when the wrecked Parthenon was being neglected. he spent £74,000 on bringing them to England, and in 1916 sold them to the British Government for only half what they cost him. Photo shows visitors to the British Museum - looking at the Elgin Marbles - on display there. That will be placed in the Duveen Gallery - when renovations are complete. (Credit Image: © Keystone Press Agency/Keystone USA via ZUMAPRESS.com)