Babylon was the greatest city of ancient Iraq, and its name and image have endured throughout history with amazing vigour. This fascinating exhibition will explore both the archaeology of the city at its height during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605–562 BC), and the wealth of later art and legend that Babylon has engendered.
Babylon will reveal major archaeological finds, such as the city’s vivid lion reliefs and spectacular architecture, shedding light on the ancient city. At the same time the exhibition will explore our own myths and traditions about the city – such as the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens – to uncover their origins and how we know about them.
Babylon’s reputation in all its richness inspired artists and poets as well as explorers and archaeologists. The scope of this exhibition represents something new for the Museum, and allows us to include oil paintings, prints and contemporary art displayed side by side with ancient sculptures and cuneiform texts written on clay tablets.
The exhibition will conclude with Babylon’s reinvention as a state icon and a consideration of its tragic recent history, including its subjection to damage through conflict.
A catalogue and gift book will accompany the exhibition. There will also be a broad programme of related events including lectures, film and storytelling.
Babylon follows related but independent exhibitions in Paris and Berlin organised by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. The project is made possible by close scholarly collaboration and many loans between the British Museum, the Musée du Louvre and the Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin.
Image caption: Glazed brick relief of a lion from Babylon's Processional Way. Reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605–562 BC).
On loan from the musée du Louvre, Paris. © Photo RMN / Franck Raux.
Babylon will reveal major archaeological finds, such as the city’s vivid lion reliefs and spectacular architecture, shedding light on the ancient city. At the same time the exhibition will explore our own myths and traditions about the city – such as the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens – to uncover their origins and how we know about them.
Babylon’s reputation in all its richness inspired artists and poets as well as explorers and archaeologists. The scope of this exhibition represents something new for the Museum, and allows us to include oil paintings, prints and contemporary art displayed side by side with ancient sculptures and cuneiform texts written on clay tablets.
The exhibition will conclude with Babylon’s reinvention as a state icon and a consideration of its tragic recent history, including its subjection to damage through conflict.
A catalogue and gift book will accompany the exhibition. There will also be a broad programme of related events including lectures, film and storytelling.
Babylon follows related but independent exhibitions in Paris and Berlin organised by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. The project is made possible by close scholarly collaboration and many loans between the British Museum, the Musée du Louvre and the Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin.
Image caption: Glazed brick relief of a lion from Babylon's Processional Way. Reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605–562 BC).
On loan from the musée du Louvre, Paris. © Photo RMN / Franck Raux.
