Journey to Ancient Mesopotamia: Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition
The Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest is currently hosting a new exhibition that showcases the heritage of ancient Mesopotamia. Open to the public from Saturday onwards, this exhibition titled “Kingdom of Gods and Demons: Mesopotamia 1000-500 BCE” offers a rare glimpse into the art and culture of this period.
According to László Baán, Director General of the Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibition marks the first time that Hungary is showcasing the art of ancient Mesopotamia. Describing it as a fascinating period that holds the roots of European cultural heritage, Baán expressed excitement over the opportunity to present such a comprehensive exhibition in Budapest. The exhibition will run until February 2, 2025.
Featuring over 150 loaned artifacts, the exhibition is a collaboration between the Museum of Fine Arts and the MTA–ELTE Lendület Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Cylinder Seals and Divine World Research Group. The artifacts on display include works from cities such as Assur, Babylon, Dúr-Sarrukín, and Kalhu, excavated in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visitors can expect to see palace reliefs, the dragon serpent of the Ishtar Gate, glazed brick decorations, miniature cylinder seals, and more. The exhibition is divided into nine sections, each offering a unique perspective on ancient Mesopotamian art and culture. Loans for the exhibition have been sourced from various collections in Hungary and abroad, including renowned institutions like the Vorderasiatisches Museum in Berlin and the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
In addition to showcasing symbolic artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, the exhibition also features small statues, amulets, works of Assyrian and Babylonian kings, and cuneiform sources in Akkadian. The final section of the exhibition brings to life the motif and history of the Tower of Babel through paintings.
For art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the “Kingdom of Gods and Demons” exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest is a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of ancient Mesopotamia. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this captivating journey through time and discover the wonders of a bygone era.
