Artistic Brilliance of Western Classical Civilization on Display
Following the blockbuster exhibitions of ancient Egypt and ancient Greece, Western classical civilization will once again take the stage in Shanghai.
"Roma – From Olympus to Capitoline" will raise its curtain at the Shanghai World Expo Museum in downtown Huangpu District on November 11.
Jointly presented by the World Expo Museum and National Museums Liverpool in the United Kingdom, the large-scale exhibition will run through May 5 next year.
A total of 131 artifacts and sets from the collections of National Museums Liverpool – most of which will be displayed in Shanghai for the first time – will provide visitors with an immersive, one-stop journey into the artistic brilliance of Western classical civilization.
The exhibition features three main sections, tracing the evolution of ancient Rome from its mythological origins to its imperial zenith and cultural legacy.
The "Legends of the Gods" showcases nearly 20 large-scale sculptures of Greco-Roman deities, including a two-meter statue of Jupiter (Zeus) and a marble bust of Neptune (Poseidon).
These works reveal how the Romans reinterpreted Greek mythology, not merely copying its romance but transforming it into a pragmatic "contract between gods and men," linking divine power to the needs of the state.
"Glory of the Empire" includes 26 busts of emperors and nobles, including an iconic portrait of Emperor Augustus. These works selected from Liverpool's classical collection bear witness to Rome's transformation into a vast empire, and reflect its rulers' political vision and cultural inclusiveness.
"Feast of Life" recreates the prosperity of everyday Roman life through sarcophagus reliefs, mosaic panels, carved gemstones, and glassware.
The curatorial approach extends beyond artifact display, weaving a narrative thread that follows deities such as Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva through domestic life and decorative arts – connecting grand mythology to tangible scenes of daily existence, and revealing how Roman culture laid the foundation for Western civilization.
The exhibition has also created multiple interactive installations, light-sound experiences and themed rooms based on deities, including Artemis, Aphrodite and Dionysus, inviting visitors to explore, photograph and engage.
If you go:
Date: November 11-May 5 (closed on Mondays), 9am-5pm
Admission: 88 yuan (US$12.4)
Venue: Shanghai World Expo Museu 世博会博物馆
Address: 818 Mengzi Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区蒙自路818号