The Hellenic Museum is set to present ‘Gods, Myths and Mortals’ – a permanent collection on loan from the Benaki Museum in Athens, commencing from April 2014. This exhibition chronicles the impact of historical and social development on identity, from the Pre-Historic to the Neo-Hellenic period. Across the millennia, gods, myths and man have shared commonalities that have underpinned alliances, divided boundaries, and driven culture. These themes are explored in the exhibition through figurines, tools, vessels, jewellery, manuscripts and costumes.
“The material you will soon see exhibited in Melbourne presenting culture, art and history, in itself speaks fluently the common language of humanity,” says Benaki Museum Director Angelos Delivorrias.
Highlights from the collection include one of Antonis Benaki’s first, and most iconic acquisitions, the Gold Kylix Cup (15th-early 14th Century BC). Other pieces, such as the never seen before Gold Myrtle Wreath (4th-3rd Century BC) provide visually rich examples of the original, symbolic conceptions of the interwoven ideas of celebration, athleticism, triumph and victory. Other highlights include a range of Cycladic figurines. These vital works provide reference into how skills and design have materialised over time until their present-day influences, and explore the notion of art as a living, continually evolving expression. These pieces, incorporated in the permanent collection, will give Australians a tremendous, ongoing resource of cultural and historical value, while providing insight and challenge to our perspectives and beliefs.
Hellenic Museum CEO John Tatoulis says “through the collection, audiences are given the chance to explore the ideas that have contributed to how we live in society, today: from the visually rich, information dense world we live in, to how we form identity, and identify with each other”.
In conjunction with the permanent collection, blockbuster themed exhibitions will also be held, with the first, ‘Jewellery from the Benaki, Unearthing the Original Accessory’, scheduled for November 2014.
“We are delighted to be bringing such an exciting collection to Australian shores, and honoured to be contributing to Melbourne’s diverse arts scene,” says Harry Stamoulis, president of the Hellenic Museum.
The museum will offer a variety of concurrent programs. Education and community highlights include family days with art-making activities and tours, school programs, and a lecture series exploring the key historical periods of the pieces from the collection. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Hellenic Museum, with Benaki Museum Publishing, have produced a fully illustrated catalogue detailing the collection.
‘Gods, Myths and Mortals’ is the first exhibition from the collaboration between the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne and the Benaki Museum in Athens. The 10-year joint venture is a mutual initiative that seeks to connect Greece with both its diaspora as well as broader audiences, and share the culture and treasures of Greece with the world.
The Hellenic Museum believes in the power of culture and history to enrich lives. History challenges us to re-look at society today. It is a force of reflection, change and growth. The Hellenic Museum is an organisation that is led by cultural ideas guided by a dedicated mission: to promote public understanding and enjoyment of Greek and Australian classical and contemporary culture, art and history. The Benaki Museum is one of the oldest museums in Greece. The museum’s main concern is to protect, conserve and showcase cultural heritage, while also seeking ways to create links between our contemporary society and this heritage and render it accessible to the research establishment. The museum maintains close links with similar institutions and prestigious domestic and foreign universities. The Benaki Museum is consistently placed in a world ranking, alongside the likes of the Louvre and the MET, recognised in listings such as the UK’s Telegraph The World’s Best Museums: a guide.
‘Gods, myths and mortals’ – the exhibition will take place at the Hellenic Museum. The exhibition will transform and takeover the ground floor. From 3 April, 2014 onwards; Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm; Ticket price: $10; Concession: $5; Children under 10 free. 280 William Street, former Royal Mint Melbourne, opposite Flagstaff Station. For more information on the collection: www.hellenic.org.au/coming-soon