The stars, Selene (the moon) and Helios (the sun), played a special role in ordering time, in the beliefs of people, and in understanding the place of humankind in the universe. The ancient Greeks gave human form to celestial bodies and a daily course above the earth in chariots or on horses. In Pheidian art, depictions of astral divinities find their most sublime expression, bestowing a cosmic setting for celebrated events. With the sculptures of the Parthenon as a focus and using rich visual materials, visitors will have the opportunity to talk with the Museum’s Archaeologist-Hosts about the diverse and fascinating world of the stars and their presence on the monuments of the Acropolis. The gallery talk ‘Astral divinities: images, beliefs, cult’ is taking place on the occasion of European Night of Museums 2015. Due to high demand, the same gallery talk will be offered for free to the visitors of the Museum from 22 May to 24 May 2015.

Information

Greek: Saturday 16 May 2015, 6:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. / Friday 22 May 2015, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. / Saturday 23 May 2015, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. / Sunday 24 May 2015, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Duration: 40 minutes

Participation: Limited to 35 visitors per session. For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day half an hour before the start time of the talk. The gallery talk is free of charge. First-in first-served.

Meeting point: Information Desk