Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections, open until 2014

The National Gallery of Art
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Greece,
the Benaki Museum and the support of the Embassy of Greece

Presents the exhibition:

Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections

Open Until March 2, 2014

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: In 324 Emperor Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Italy to the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, strategically located on the Bosphorus Strait linking the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Renamed Constantinople (now Istanbul), the city became the largest and wealthiest in the Christian world and the heart of an empire that lasted over 1,000 years. More than 180 works of art (many never before lent to the United States) from collections throughout Greece are on display including mosaics, icons, manuscripts, jewelry, and ceramics. Organized thematically, the exhibition explores the transition from paganism to Christianity, the essential role of art in the Byzantine spiritual life, the taste for secular works of art for the home, the intellectual life of Byzantine scholars, and the contacts with western Europe established during the empire’s final artistic flowering under the emperors of the Palaiologan dynasty (1261-1453). An accompanying film presents scenes of churches in Greece set to the music of Byzantine hymns and chants, and evokes the original context of many objects in the show.

PROGRAMS: The Gallery will present a variety of public programs to celebrate the exhibition, including a public symposium, colloquium, lectures, concert, high school studio workshop, and gallery talks. All programs are free of charge in the East Building Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CUISINE: A selection of Greek delicacies and salads will be offered in the Cascade Café.

SHOP: A wide array of the jewelry, books, gifts, and more at the exit of the exhibition.

The exhibition is organized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, with the collaboration of the Benaki Museum, Athens, and in association with the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. The exhibition’s international tour is made possible by major funding from OPAP S.A. Financial support is also provided by the A.G. Leventis Foundation. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. The film was made possible by the HRH Foundation.

Admission is always free.
On the National Mall at Sixth Street and Constitution Ave NW
Open every day except December 25 and January 1.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-6
http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/exhibitions/2013/heaven-and-earth.html

THE EMBASSY OF GREECE: The exhibition is being supported by the Embassy of Greece. In collaboration with major art and cultural organizations, private or public institutions and scholars, the Embassy of Greece is organizing a series of parallel events to broaden the scope and outreach of the exhibition on the Legacy of the Byzantine Empire.  The program of events will be released soon. 

PRESS: The exhibition is listed in Washington Post’s “Fall Critics' Picks”.
“An intriguing exhibition of art from the Byzantine Empire” by  Philip Kennicott, Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/national-gallerys-east-building-renovation-opens-the-door-for-the-areas-other-museums/2013/09/05/729edc3c-0b77-11e3-9941-6711ed662e71_story.html