Science reunites Elgin Marbles

The display gives an idea of how the New Acropolis Musuem will look

A virtual reality exhibition showing how the Elgin Marbles would look if they were reunited goes on display at the Houses of Parliament on Monday.

The latest technology is being used to simulate how the 5th Century BC sculptures will appear if they are reunited with the rest of the Parthenon Marbles in Athens.

The Marbles are displayed in London's British Museum, but the Greek Government and a number of British MPs and celebrities are campaigning for the artefacts to be returned to Greece.

Among the campaign's supporters is actress Vanessa Redgrave, who is due to attend the opening of the exhibition in the Macmillan Room of Portcullis House from 1900 GMT.

The British Museum has no plans to hand the Marbles over

Richard Allan MP, a former archaeological student who is leading the British campaign, said: "The clock is ticking towards 2004 when the whole world's eyes will be on Athens as the Olympic Games are held there.

"We believe that it is more important than ever that the UK engages in the debate about the future display of the Parthenon Marbles."

The Greek Government is currently building the New Acropolis Museum - a £29m showcase for the marbles - which it hopes to complete in time for the Olympic Games.

The exhibition, entitled Marbles United, includes a computer simulated walk through the museum, showing the reunited marbles displayed in glass cases.

It features alongside a presentation of how the various elements from the Parthenon, currently divided between Athens and London, will come together.

The virtual exhibition was first presented to the UK by the architect of the new museum, Bernard Tschumi, during a visit by Greek culture minister Evangelos Venizelos.

The marbles, ancient sculptures which once adorned the Parthenon in Athens, have been held in the British Museum since 1811.