A Major Exhibition of Ancient Greek Treasures Is Coming to Auckland

Earlier this year Wellingtonians had the opportunity to see one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. From next July it'll be Auckland's turn to cop a view of ancient treasures as Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum hosts a major international exhibition.

Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes arrives from the British Museum's world-renowned collection, and will be the largest selection of ancient artefacts ever loaned by the museum to New Zealand.

On show from Friday, 3 July to Sunday, 18 October, 2020, the exhibition will showcase a wide range of treasures and stories from ancient Greece. Those include a selection of iconic sculptures from the 'Mausoleum at Halikarnassos' — one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World — and a gold lion-headed pendant which harks back to around 450–400 BC.

The Trustees of the British Museum.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to get up close to over 170 ancient artefacts. Key objects in the exhibition include black and red ceramics featuring finely drawn depictions of athletes, gods and citizens; stunning marble and terracotta statues and reliefs; bronze figurines; weapons and armour; toys and games; fine gold jewellery; and coins.

Tāmaki Makaurau is the first location in the South Hemisphere to showcase the exhibition. Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes is being toured in partnership with the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and the Western Australian Museum.

Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes will be open to the public from Friday, 3 July to Saturday, 18 October, 2020 in Auckland Museum's new Auaha Atea Nui Special Exhibition Suite. Tickets for the exhibition go on sale in 2020.

Top image: The Trustees of the British Museum.