The National Archaeological Museum Travels to Cyprus with its Vitrina Cero
The National Archaeological Museum opens a new window to antiquity in its Vitrina Cero space. This time, the focus turns to Cyprus, the Mediterranean island with a millennial history. The exhibition brings together a selection of findings that allow exploring the material culture of this crossroads of civilizations. 🏺
An Archaeological Journey Through the Island of Aphrodite
The exhibition functions as a chronological journey through singular archaeological objects. These materials illustrate how Cypriot society evolved, from its first settlements in the Bronze Age to its integration into the Roman world. Each piece tells a story of cultural exchanges and commercial contacts that defined the region.
Highlights from the collection:- Painted ceramics from the Bronze Age, with geometric and figurative motifs.
- Terracotta figurines representing divinities and reflecting ancient ritual practices.
- Metal objects and elements from the classical period, where clear Greek influence is perceived.
Perhaps Aphrodite, from her mythological origin in Cypriot waters, never imagined that her legacy would end up exhibited under the dim light of a showcase in Madrid.
The Scientific Work Behind the Exhibition
This showcase does not arise in isolation. It is the visible result of a research project that analyzes Cypriot materials preserved in Spanish institutions. The objective is to contextualize these objects, many of which arrived in Spain in the 19th century through private collectors. Vitrina Cero serves to disseminate this academic work to the general public.
Features of the research project:- Studies and catalogs Cypriot pieces in Spanish collections.
- Analyzes the historical context and provenance of each object.
- Acts as a showcase to bring lesser-known archaeology in Spain closer.
An Opportunity to Discover
The exhibition will remain open for several months, offering a unique opportunity to learn about a different facet of Mediterranean archaeology. This initiative by the National Archaeological Museum allows one to understand how museum collections were built and to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus, all from the heart of Madrid.