by Associated Press British Museum loans Elgin Marbles for 1st time Associated Press - 5 December 2014 04:11-05:00 LONDON (AP) — The British Museum has loaned one of the Elgin Marbles to the Hermitage Museum in Russia, the first time one of the Parthenon sculptures has been lent. The trustees said Friday the marble sculpture of the river god Ilissos —a reclining male figure from the West Pediment of the Parthenon, will be part of a major exhibition on Greek art. The Hermitage is marking its 250th anniversary. The headless sculpture is among those removed more than two centuries ago by Lord Elgin, a Scottish nobleman. Greece argues the sculptures were removed illegally during the country's Turkish occupation and is demanding their return. News Topics: Arts and entertainment, General news, Art museums, Sculpture, Visual arts, Museums, Recreation and leisure, Lifestyle, Leisure travel, Travel People, Places and Companies: United Kingdom, Western Europe, Europe Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.