Get Us To The Greek: Field Museum Announces Historic Ancient Greece Exhibit
By Marielle Shaw in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 7, 2014 3:00PM
Greek history, culture, and especially cuisine are anything but “all Greek” to Chicago. Since Greek immigrants started arriving in town in 1840, it’s been a part of the city’s own identity. From dolmades, spanakopita and the simple, aromatic beauty of roasted Greek chicken, the rooftops of the Pegasus on a beautiful day, or the irresistible baklava and completely addictive cookies (simply known as Louie’s cookies) at the Pan-Hellenic Pastry Shop, it’s safe to say we’ve come to know and love some of Greece’s traditions, style and flavors. Hell, we even introduced America to the gyro, which made its first appearance in Chicago in 1968.
But it’s about to get Greekier. The Field Museum has announced its plans for a temporary exhibition on Ancient Greece to debut in Chicago in November of 2015. The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great will tour North America, starting off here in Chicago, and is the result of a special partnership with the National Hellenic Museum. In the spotlight will be 500 ancient artifacts, many of which had not previously been seen outside of Greece. The exhibit will also explore the lives of the Ancient Greek people through the eyes of warriors, athletes, priests, and rulers alike. The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great will also be the first anthropological exhibition exploring Ancient Greece to tour the country in 25 years.
This exhibit will open just in time for the holiday season, debuting on November 26th,2015, and it will run through April of 2016. This is a unique and detailed glimpse through 5000 years of Greek history. Artifacts displayed are the result of the contributions of 23 different museums, including pieces that have never before been on American soil. What we’re trying to drive home? Mark this one down on your calendar as a can’t miss.