The Andrews Labor Government is helping Melbourne's Greek community share the wonders of their ancient past in an Australian-first exhibition which brings precious artefacts from Greece exclusively to Melbourne.
Melbourne Museum and Greece's National Archaeological Museum have collaborated and will take visitors back in time, with Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys showcasing the ancient world of Greece.
The exhibition explores Greece's rich history through trade, spirituality and art, offering a window into the ideas and culture that have permeated into modern times and continue to influence culture, politics and sport.
Displayed for the first time in Australia - Open Horizons will showcase 44 treasures from the Early Bronze age through to the Roman period, introducing a new generation of visitors to the history of Greece.
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
The Open Horizons exhibition was secured by the Labor Government and funded in the 2020-21 State Budget.
Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys opens on Saturday, 23 April. Tickets are included with general entry to Melbourne Museum with more information available at museumsvictoria.com.au/open-horizons.
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Steve Dimopoulos
"From sport through to politics and across art, culture and design, Ancient Greece continues its profound influence on the modern world."
"The Andrews Government is proud to bring this exclusive exhibition to Victoria, providing a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn more about the stories of Victoria's Greek community, while exploring antiquities that are visiting Australia for the very first time."
As stated by Museums Victoria CEO Lynley Crosswell
"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."
"This captivating exhibition will invite visitors to explore the cross-cultural connections that contributed to the formation of Ancient Greece."
As stated by Director at the National Archaeology Museum Greece Dr Anna Vasiliki Karapanagiotou
"Since antiquity, the Greeks have always followed the open horizons of the sea, constantly travelling to every corner of the world. Extroversion, broad-mindedness and cosmopolitanism, as well as the ability to embrace and utilise foreign influences in a creative and original way have been integral elements of Hellenic culture."
