Greek Masterpieces

1. It is a pity that many Singaporeans are not familiar with Greek
mythology. There is much we can learn from the ancient Greeks who had a
profound understanding of human nature. Despite advances in technology and
civilization, human nature has not changed.

2. The exhibition now going on in the Singapore History Museum, "Greek
Masterpieces from the Louvre" is a godsend. Because some of the galleries
in the Louvre are being renovated, the musuem decided to exhibit some of
its precious hellenistic artefacts overseas. We were asked if we could be
one of the three destinations, in addition to Beijing and Macao.

3. Some 130 pieces of sculptures, figurines, reliefs, vases, jewellery
and implents give us an insight into one of the greatest civilizations
whose influence on the world today is deep and everywhere. The
presentation is excellent. I especially liked the quotations on the wall
and the stunning lighting of the marble statues. In one room, the
juxtaposition of Ares and Aphrodite, who were lovers, was theatre.

4. There were a number of young men and women doing sketches. One whom
I asked told me that he was from an animation school. The musuem provided
comfortable chairs for them to sit on which I thought reflected wonderfully
the new attitude of our musuems.

5. I hope many Singaporeans will visit this exhibition and appreciate an
important source of western civilization.

George Yeo

Comments

[Scottish Tiger]

I also visited the Greek Masterpieces exhibition at The National Museum of Singapore, during my trip to the island in January. The pieces on view are magnificent and I was lucky that during my visit an English speaking tour (by an American tour guide) was just beginning. Hearing the stories about the pieces really helps to understand the interpretation of the display and brings to life the marble statues and pottery artefacts.

S$8.00 is really worthwhile for a view of some of the most stunning historical materials from Ancient Greece. I highly recommend the exhibition, and my only disappointment that there were no guidebooks left on sale - but I took enough photos to leave me with a lasting image of the exhibits.