AN ANCIENT Rome exhibition boasting over 200 replica artefacts will be hosted by the Riddoch Art Gallery in 2019.
The exhibition will bring to life one of the most technologically significant times in the history of civilisation, covering an epic period from the triumphant victory of Julius Caesar over the Gauls in 52BC to the transformation of Rome from a republic into the mighty Roman Empire.
The replica artefacts were constructed over a number of years by a team of artisans from Florence and are the result of fine craftsmanship and interpretation.
Mount Gambier City Council elected members voted to secure the exhibition, which will run for 12 weeks from August to November 2019, for a total cost of $50,000.
Riddoch Art Gallery director Dr Melentie Pandilovski said he expected to recover the total cost of the exhibition and generate an income of around $64,000.
“The exhibition has a proven track record for generating revenue and we are confident it will be very profitable,” Dr Pandilovski said.
“The replica artefacts displayed in Ancient Rome: The Empire That Shaped the World were crafted by the same artisans who created the displays in the Da Vinci Machines exhibition, which was very successful here – it attracted over 11,700 people during the two months it was on display.
“We believe this exhibition will appeal to a diverse spectrum of the community and be of interest to school groups and children – the machines are interactive and the exhibition includes an education program that aligns with STEM principles.”
The exhibition will explore the arts, physics, engineering and construction, military strategy and politics.
“To host an exhibition of this class for 12 weeks will provide economic benefit to Mount Gambier and the surrounding district, given the exhibition will not be presented in any other venues in South Australia or Victoria,” Dr Melentie said.
“It is a fascinating and insightful exhibition – many of the innovations and machines of that era have informed today’s technology.”
