NOSTOS is the Greek word for homecoming.

NOSTOS Strategies, inspired by this concept, is dedicated to helping cultural heritage find its way back home. We believe in the profound significance of cultural artefacts as symbols of identity and timeless links between old and new. In many cases, artefacts are the only thing linking past, present and future.

The nostos of national treasures allows communities and its peoples to reclaim history, traditions, values. We believe in the ‘renewal of tradition’. It opens up, for future generations, a greater understanding of the past; things not possible when they are oceans apart. 

At NOSTOS, we champion the transformative power of return. Collaborating with states, communities, and organisations, we strive to repatriate cultural property, bridge the gap between past and present, and nurture the shared cultural heritage that unites us all.

“Let us, before we die, gather up our heritage, and offer it to our children.” - Will Durant

FOUNDER

Melina Antoniadis is a lawyer of Greek and Cambodian heritage. She is a member of the Bar of England and Wales and the Law Society of Ontario. A member of G37 Chambers in London, Melina is specialised in international law, advising states on both territorial and human rights disputes.

The stories of Greece and Cambodia hold a special significance for her. But the issue is wider: works of art the world over are housed in places far from home, whether it’s Western museums, private collections, or state-sponsored storage, and it takes pressure and negotiation to get them back. These artefacts have a special meaning to the people they were taken from.

With experience advising on state disputes and human rights, Melina saw how international law was only one tool available to effect change. There are more: collaboration and diplomacy is a key part of cultural return, and Melina was eager to use all skills at her disposal to devise strategies to obtain results. 

Melina now offers her expertise on the return of cultural heritage to their countries of origin. That’s the driving force behind NOSTOS.

Melina was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She speaks English, French and Greek, and has a working knowledge of Spanish and Russian.

  • Member of the Bar of England and Wales
    Member of the Law Society of Ontario

    B.C.L., LL.B./J.D., McGill University
    LL.M., Leiden University