British Museum should return Roman Sculptures

[caesar novus]

I'm sick of arriving at the British Museum only to find the fine upstairs room or two of Roman sculptures shut off. It seems to be the first section to close if (when) they have a staff shortage. Especially at night hours; it is just hopeless to see them except for some dribs and drabs downstairs (those copies of greek sculptures rather than the emperors, etc).

 

I modestly propose that they be repatriated to another museum that can appreciate their primary importance to western civilization and the need to be shown. Anywhere in the former Roman empire with no entrance fee; maybe the nearby Wallace collection. The Wallace seems to stick to their hours, vs the B.M. staff seem to take every opportunity to take (paid?) leave.

 

Not even the Italian museums with their reported 75% absentee rate of guards shut you out as much. I recently visited the majestic Baths of Caracalla where almost the only sign of guards were a pair shutting themselves out of the heat. But they let the small handful of tourist roam the amazing grounds anyway. Also the magnificent Massimo Roman sculpture Museum was fully open and may even be a magnet for guards due to it's almost adaquate a/c.

 

I would show pictures, but broke my viewfinder and the pix all cut off the head or feet due to mis aiming.