Mythology, Magic and Mary Beard

World Museum launches an exciting events programme inspired by the mythical wonders of Ancient Greece and Rome, alongside current popular exhibition Return of the Gods.

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Proving that our fascination with the ancient world shows no signs of stopping, this autumn World Museum will host a packed series of events featuring broadcaster and academic Professor Mary Beard and leading author Natalie Haynes, as well as experts from National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.
Inspired by the Return of the Gods exhibition, talks and tours will bring to life just how the Emperors
ruled, how people lived and how the gods presided – and why the ancient goddesses cast just as powerful a gaze as their male counterparts.

National Museums Liverpool will be hosting an evening in conversation with acclaimed author and broadcaster Professor Mary Beard on Friday 15 December to discuss her new book ‘Emperor of Rome’ and her career as the world's most famous classicist. The event will explore the colourful and infamous rulers of ancient times.

Bestselling author Natalie Haynes will introduce her new book ‘Divine Might’, delving into powerful and lesser told stories of the ancient Greek goddesses, on Saturday 25 November. The event is in collaboration with Classics for All North and will include a chance to explore World Museum’s special exhibition Return of the Gods and encounter some of the featured goddesses like Athena and Artemis up close.

a woman in a red jumper with hand on chin

 

A host of expert talks will reveal more on the lives of people in ancient times, including; The ever-lasting influence of ancient fashion by Dr Lee Wright, fashion historian from Liverpool John Moores University on Saturday 7 October and Wining and dining like the ancient gods with Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool on Saturday 2 December.

Delving into the more mystical side of things, Jordan Poole from the University of Liverpool will reveal how magic existed in ancient times in a fascinating talk on How amulets protected the ancient world on Saturday 9 December. While Dr Georgia Petridou, Reader in Ancient Greek History at the University of Liverpool, will explore the myth of the abduction of Persephone by the god of the Underworld, Hades -  one of the ancient world’s most popular albeit darker tales in The cult of Persephone and Demeter on Saturday 16 December.

Tactile and BSL curator tours will offer a chance for visitors to experience the popular Return of the Gods exhibition in a different way, guided by the subject expert. Family visitors can also enjoy specially curated events for all ages including messy play sessions inspired by ancient pottery and mosaics.

Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool said,

“We are thrilled to be hosting a packed season of events in collaboration with acclaimed authors, academics and well-known figures in the world of Classics, to delve even further into the world of ancient life and mythology. 

“Our Return of the Gods exhibition at World Museum has been immensely popular since we opened, and proves that the enduring fascination with the myths and legends of ancient times shows no signs of stopping. Stories of heroism, rivalry, jealousy and adventure continue to capture the imagination of all ages and we are so pleased to be playing a part in bringing that to life for visitors through our incredible collections.”

Event listings

Images can be downloaded here

An evening with Professor Mary Beard at World Museum

Friday 15 December, 6pm, World Museum
Tickets £25, Concession £22.

An evening with acclaimed classicist, author and television presenter Professor Mary Beard who will be talking about her new book ‘Emperor of Rome’ and her career as the world's most famous classicist. Mary will be in conversation with Curator of Classical Antiquities, Dr. Chrissy Partheni discussing World Museum’s current special exhibition Return of the Gods. There will be an opportunity to get your copy of ‘Emperor of Rome’ signed.

Limited books will be on sale at the event but to avoid disappointment it is advised buying a copy alongside your ticket. A cash bar will be in operation and all ticket holders will have access to the Return of the Gods exhibition.

In conversation with Natalie Haynes

Saturday 25 November, 6pm-8pm, World Museum
Free, booking required

Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes introduces her new book ‘Divine Might’, delving into powerful and lesser told stories of the ancient Greek goddesses.

The event is sponsored by Classics for All North and there will be a chance to explore World Museum’s special exhibition Return of the Gods – encountering some of the featured goddesses up close – and an opportunity to purchase Natalie’s book.

A cash bar will be in operation and all ticket holders will have access to the Return of the Gods exhibition. Free event, ticket required.

Natalie’s other novels include The Sunday Times bestseller, ‘Stone Blind’, a re-telling of the Medusa story; ‘The Children of Jocasta’, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; ‘A Thousand Ships’, a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and The New York Times bestseller, ‘Pandora's Jar’.

The ever-lasting influence of ancient fashion

Saturday 7 October, 2pm, World Museum
Adult £7

Inspired by the drapery of ancient classical statues in the Return of the Gods exhibition, this talk by fashion historian Dr Lee Wright, from Liverpool John Moores University, will explore its influence on Fashion Design. In particular, how designers of the 19th and 20th century crafted fabric and folds to create an effect for both wearer and observer. At the end of the talk there will be an opportunity to experiment with a variety of fabrics and the art of draping. 

Return of the Gods: Tactile Curator tour

Saturday 11 November, 1pm, World Museum
Adult £13 (includes exhibition ticket). Child £5.

This tactile tour is designated for visually impaired and blind visitors who would like to experience the exhibition. Discover key objects from the Return of the Gods exhibition and unravel their secrets in this engaging tour with Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool. Explore the stories of ancient Greek and Roman gods and heroes as you are guided through the exhibition. 

Return of the Gods: BSL Curator Tour

Saturday 18 November, 1pm, World Museum
Adult £13 (includes exhibition ticket). Child £5.

A tour designated for D/deaf and hard of hearing visitors who would like to experience the Return of the Gods exhibition. Discover key objects from the exhibition and unravel their secrets in this exciting tour with Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool. Explore the stories of ancient Greek and Roman gods and heroes as you are guided through the exhibition. 

Wining and dining like the ancient gods

Saturday 2 December, 2pm, World Museum
Adult £7

The Romans were known for their lavish lifestyle and exquisite cuisine so what did their dinner parties feel like? Join Dr. Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool as we look at the evidence of favourite food and drink from the distant past. 

How amulets protected the ancient world

Saturday 9 December, 2pm, World Museum
Adult £7.

This talk, given by Jordan Poole from the University of Liverpool, will reveal how magic existed in ancient times. Small but powerful magical gemstones were used from the 2nd century AD to offer protection and healing. The gods they represent are not commonly known Greek gods and will be new to many. Words and symbols on them reflect Greek, Jewish and Christian traditions and were often repeated in order to evoke or strengthen protection.

The cult of Persephone and Demeter

Saturday 16 December 3pm, World Museum
Adult £7

This fascinating talk by Dr Georgia Petridou, Reader in Ancient Greek History at the University of Liverpool, explores the myth of the abduction of Persephone by the god of the Underworld, Hades, one of the ancient world’s most popular tales. Discover how the search for Persephone, led by her mother the goddess Demeter, inspired the most important cult of the ancient Greek world, the Eleusinian Mysteries. Find out more about this ancient cult and what the archaeological findings reveal about it.

Family activities

Let's decorate, ancient Greek vases

Saturday 30 September, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, World Museum
Adult £5, Child £3 
Let your creativity be inspired by the ancient world! Taking inspiration from World Museum’s Return of the Gods exhibition, decorate your own terracotta vases and urns using ancient patterns and styles. This may be a messy session. Aprons provided, change of clothes recommended. Suitable for ages 12+. (Adults who would like to watch and are not participating are welcome to join for free)

Gods and goddesses story time performance

Wednesday 25 October,11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, World Museum
Adult £3. Child £2. 

Inspired by the towering figures of the ancient gods in World Museum’s Return of the Gods exhibition, let us guide you through all the tall tales and mind-blowing myths from ancient times. Learn how to recognise your Athena from your Aphrodite, with the simple trick of knowing the tale behind the talisman they hold, you will soon be a god-spotting expert and able to tell the gods apart. 

Return of the Gods: Clay Time

Wednesday 25 October and Saturday 11 November, 10:15am, World Museum
Child £5

Clay Time is a spectacularly messy session inspired by Return of the Gods exhibition, for little ones aged 3-5 and their grown up. The 45 minute workshop includes warm up games and child led clay workshop. This session will develop their gross and fine motor skills as well as their creativity. You can take away the clay creation your little one has made and sessions include a worksheet with information and ideas for using clay at home. 

Return of the Gods: Let's create, mosaics

Saturday 25 November, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, World Museum
Adult £5, Child £3 
Get creative, inspired by the ancient world! Taking inspiration from the Return of the Gods exhibition, create your own mini-mosaics using design ideas taken from ancient Greek and Roman mosaic floors and using child-safe stone tiles.  

This may be a messy session. Aprons provided, change of clothes recommended. Suitable for ages 12+. (Adults who would like to watch and are not participating are welcome to join for free)

Coming up for 2024…

Return of the Gods: Curator Introduction to the Greek Gods 

Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 January, 1.30pm, World Museum

Adult £13 including Return of the Gods exhibition ticket
Discover key objects from the Return of the Gods exhibition and unravel their secrets in this engaging tour with Dr Chrissy Partheni, Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool. Explore the stories of ancient Greek and Roman gods and heroes as you are guided through the exhibition. Price includes the £8 ticket price of entry to the Return of the Gods exhibition.

Return of the Gods: Youth Engagement Forum takeover

Saturday 27 January, 12-3pm, World Museum
Free, drop in
The Youth Engagement Forum has created a fun pop-up event for all ages inspired by the Return of the Gods exhibition. Dare you spin the wheel of doom and brave challenges inspired by the 12 labours of Hercules (without the danger and risk!)?

Exploring connections with art historian Frank Milner
Saturday 3 February 2024, 2pm, World Museum
Adult £7
Renaissance and 19th century paintings were heavily influenced by ancient Roman and Greek statues. Author and art historian Frank Milner will explore the links between National  Museums Liverpool’s  museum and galleries' collections. Find out about the gods and heroes that artists most loved and adapted, and discover how classical literature inspired painters throughout the centuries.

 

Further information

Lorna McBride, PR & Communications Officer  
lorna.mcbride@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk