Art in Gold: Jewellery in Hellenistic Times Exhibition

Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, the art of ancient Greek jewellery-making reached its zenith and the exhibition Art in Gold: Jewellery in Hellenistic Times is just the place to find out all about it. Boasting the participation of 30 museums and Ephorates of Antiquities from all over Greece, as well as the collaboration of five international museums, the event has a twofold aim: to unravel the messages conveyed by the jewellery of this era and to delve into the little-explored construction techniques that allowed the creation of such masterpieces.

The over 400 exhibits that make up this unique exposition are organized into 12 sections, based on their function and the motifs that adorn them, offering a fascinating insight into the bridal and burial customs of the Hellenistic period. Moreover, for the very first time in Greece, visitors will have the chance to see a rare collection of 2nd-century-BC goldsmithing tools from the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Informative texts, graphics and audiovisual material will also accompany the exhibits, which, in the words of a renowned jewellery maker, seem to be the works of demigods! A video illustrating the laborious reconstruction of a precious diadem is of particular interest as well.

The highlight of the exhibition is the Thessaly/Karpenisi hoard, which includes numerous pieces of unrivaled craftsmanship. These antiquities are juxtaposed with contemporary creations by Akis Goumas, Patrick Davison, Pura Ferreiro and other acclaimed Greek and international artists, showcasing how the past can serve as a source of inspiration for the present.

Art in Gold will be held at the Benaki Museum in Athens between November 13th, 2024 and April 27th, 2025, and is well worth a visit whether you’re a history buff or just a person who relishes jewellery of outstanding beauty!