A spectacular new exhibition – direct from the British Museum – opens this Sunday (June 20) at the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes includes about 180 objects which explore the theme of competition through sports, politics, drama, music and warfare.
The exhibition features the largest selections of Greek artefacts loaned by the British Museum, with materials ranging in age from the sixth to the first centuries BCE, many of which have never been seen in Western Australia.
Ancient Greek life and culture is depicted through exquisite gold jewellery, iconic black and red ceramics featuring finely drawn depictions of athletes, gods and citizens, as well as stunning marble and terracotta statues and reliefs, bronze figurines, weapons, armour, toys, games and coins.
There are also sculptures that once adorned the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which was one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
WA Museum Boola Bardip is the first venue in the Australasian tour which includes the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes is on display until November 7, 2021.
Tickets are available at https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/ancient-greeks
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The McGowan Government is delighted to welcome this exquisite exhibition from the British Museum to Perth. It is fitting that this renowned collection is the first international touring exhibition in our stunning new WA Museum Boola Bardip.
“I congratulate all partners – the British Museum, WA Museum, National Museum and Auckland War Memorial Museum – in delivering an international tour under the challenging circumstances presented by the global pandemic.
“I encourage all Western Australians to visit this exhibition and explore Ancient Greek culture and lives through these magnificent and rare objects.”
