Melbourne’s cultural calendar welcomes a landmark international event with the launch of Rituals: Gifts for the Gods, a global-exclusive exhibition presented by the Hellenic Museum in partnership with Greece’s Ministry of Culture.

Opening on Friday, 30 May in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this immersive showcase explores the timeless human impulse to connect with the divine through the sacred rituals of ancient Greece.

Featuring 119 ancient artefacts, the exhibition draws from some of Greece’s most renowned institutions—including the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the archaeological museums of Delphi, Olympia, Heraklion, and more. Many of these rare objects are being displayed outside Greece for the first time.

The exhibition traces the evolution of religious and cultic practices from the Neolithic era through to the height of Olympian worship, offering a comprehensive journey through Greek antiquity.

Visitors will encounter:

  • A Neolithic figurine from 5800 BCE, the oldest artefact in the exhibition
  • Rare Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean figurines
  • A Linear B inscribed tablet—one of the earliest known examples of the Greek language
  • Statuary from the Acropolis and offerings from the Sanctuary of Delphi
  • Unique Spartan votive lead figurines not found elsewhere
  • Artefacts from the ancient Olympic Games, including a statuette of Zeus

Complementing the physical artefacts are digital reconstructions of sacred sites – including Mycenae, Delphi, Olympia, and the Acropolis – providing an immersive exploration of the landscapes that shaped Greek spirituality.

Visitors can also engage with interactive AI experiences, including a modern twist on consulting the Oracle of Delphi.

In partnership with the Victorian State Government, all visitors under 18 will enjoy free general admission for the duration of the exhibition, encouraging families and students to delve into the world of myth, meaning, and memory.

Hellenic Museum Director Sarah Craig describes the exhibition as “an invitation to reflect on the universal need to belong, to seek meaning, and to connect with something greater than ourselves.”

Rituals: Gifts for the Gods is open daily from 10AM–4PM at the Hellenic Museum, 280 William Street, Melbourne CBD, with entry included in general admission.

The exhibition is also supported by the Australian Government International Exhibitions Insurance Program.