The first major exhibition of classical antiquities in Manitoba in more than half a century, opened last weekend at Winnipeg Art Gallery. And what a collection it is!
Olympus brings to Winnipeg – one of only two North American stops – more than 160 ancient Greek and Roman treasures.
The pieces – dating from the seventh century BC to the second century AD – are on loan from the prestigious Antikensammlung der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin (The National Museums’ Collection of Classical Antiquities in Berlin) – and are one of the most celebrated holdings of its kind worldwide, according to the guidebook provided for visitors to the exhibit.
“Spanning almost ten centuries of artistic production, the marble statues and reliefs, bronze statuettes, terracotta vases and jewellery pieces will introduce visitors to the worlds of Greek and Roman art, mythology and religion,” as quoted in the guidebook. “The work included in Olympus is directly linked to the heartbeat of modern culture, from architecture, language and law, to medicine sport and theatre.”
The Galleries are themed throughout – from The Gods of Olympus to The Sacred Garden.
The year-long exhibit includes several additional events at WAG – from Art for Lunch to drop-in tours, lecture and film nights and feasts with Gods & Goddesses. The exhibit is augmented by a range of online features at the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s website, including video, blog entries and more, plus a fun quick quiz “Which Olympian God are You?” which you can take right at the exhibit or online at www.olympus.wag.ca to find out which of the most prominent six gods or goddesses you might be.
There are Olympus viewports placed strategically in the three galleries hosting the exhibit, with more to open in June at the Olympus Kids Launch, which will also include impressive panoramas of ancient times, re-created in LEGO® bricks.
The exhibit includes an audio tour option available in both English and French. Start now… you’ll likely want to visit this breathtaking exhibit many more times!
All photos by LuAnn Lovlin
Winnipeg Art Gallery is one of more than 170 charitable organizations that has an Agency Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. An Agency Fund provides a sustainable source of income for a charity. Click here to learn more about organizations with agency funds.
Great story LuAnn. Wanted to check it out before but now I know I really have to go see it after reading about it. Thanks, Doug