Greek museum treasures to open to the public at the Melbourne Museum

Melbourne lovers of history and all things Greek will be able to dive into the culture of ancient Greece in an Australian-first exhibition bringing rare artefacts from Greece exclusively to Melbourne Museum.

With Victoria being home to the third largest Greek population outside of Greece, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys aspires to offer Melbourne’s Greek community and younger generations the opportunity to see 44 treasures from the Early Bronze age through to the Roman period; artefacts that have never before left Greece.

The exhibition, opening its doors on Saturday 23 April, explores trade, spirituality and art in the Eastern Mediterranean cauldron, and aspires to show how crucial ancient Greece has been to humanity’s development.

The prestigious collaboration between Melbourne Museum and Greece’s National Archaeological Museum will also take attendees on a journey through the golden age of Greek politics and philosophy, through to the present day and how the core values of Ancient Greece can help us navigate current crises.

Highlights include a 2,500-year-old marble sphinx depicting a female head with the body of a winged lion and a collection of artefacts depicting Heracles, the greatest of all Greek heroes.

“We are excited to be collaborating with the National Archaeological Museum to bring some of the most remarkable artefacts direct from Athens for audiences in Melbourne to enjoy,” Museums Victoria CEO Lynley Crosswell said.

“This captivating exhibition will invite visitors to explore the cross-cultural connections that contributed to the formation of Ancient Greece.”

When: From Saturday, 23 April 2022 9am-5pm
Where: Melbourne Museum
Bookings via: www.museumsvictoria.com.au

Tickets are included with general entry to Melbourne Museum. This is a vaccinated event only; proof will be required before entry.