The Louvre
: Mythology & Legends
Jun. 5. 2012 - Sep. 30.
Hangaram Museum at Seoul Arts Center
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Around 110 objects from the Louvre collection traveled to Korea for a special exhibition that surveys Greek mythology as the foundation of Western culture.
EXHIBITION

After 6 years, the Louvre collection revisits Korea 

The Louvre, known for its splendid collection of treasures from prehistoric ages to the mid-19th century, revisits Korea 6 years after its first exhibition in Seoul. 
 

From large-scale sculptures and paintings to ancient artifacts from 10 B.C.
the Louvre tells its legendary story through the collection

Organized by three professional curators at the Louvre, the exhibition consists of around 110 objects including over a 2-meter size sculpture that had never traveled abroad and the ancient artifacts from 10 B.C. The exhibition as a whole unfolds the myths of the Olympian gods and goddesses.   

Exhibition Content

Section1. From Chaos to Olympus  
Before things came into being, the universe was completely empty and dark; in Greek cosmology, this period was called 'Chaos.' Then there was Gaea, the ancestral mother of all life and the goddess of the earth. The heavenly gods were descended from her. Zeus rules as king of the gods of Mount Olympus.
 
Section 2. The Olympian Gods and Goddesses 
Under the absolute power of Zeus, there are many other gods and goddesses. This section introduces the important figures from Greek Mythology including Hera, the wife of Zeus and goddess of women and marriage; Poseidon, the god of the sea; Hades, the god of the underworld; Apollo, the god of the sun; and Athena, the goddess of warfare and wisdom. 
 
Section 3. Invincible Loves
Love mattered to the divine figures as well. The gods or goddesses fell in love with each other or with humans. To achieve love, they would do anything even if it takes abduction or metamorphosis. The plots they conceived for their loves are full of creative and impressive imaginations.  
 
Section 4. Heroes in the Ancient Myths: The Trojan War 
'The Trojan War' is known to be one of the most brutal and violent wars in history, but its cause was initiated by the gods and goddesses' playful plans. Through the paintings and artifacts, this section reveals the whole story of the historical war. 
 
Section 5. Continuity of the Ancient Myths
Ancient mythology continues to thrive today through its various themes, limitless imaginations, and moral lessons. The works on display in this section show how the myths were reshaped and developed along with the time.
 
Information


  • Dates

    • June 5, 2012 - September 30, 2012 

    • Closed on every last Monday of each month
  • Hours

    • 11:00 - 20:00 

    • Weekends, Holidays: 10:00 - 20:00 
  • Location
    • Hangaram Museum 1st Floor at Seoul Arts Center 
    Hosts
    • Seoul Arts Center, the Louvre, GNC Media
  • Support
    • Embassy of France in Korea, Insitut Francais, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism 
  • Sponsors
    • Hana SK Card, Shinyoung Securities, KIA Motors, Lotte Department Store, JC Decaux, ING Insurance, Thursday Island, Re:NK, Jong-Geun-Dang, The Westin Chosun
  • Cooperation
    • SK Telecom, Samsung 
  • Media Sponsor
    • Naver
  • Inquiries
    • +82 02 325-1077
 
EXHIBITION