The Andrews Labor Government is reconnecting Victoria’s Greek community with artefacts from their past while delivering Victorians a once in a lifetime opportunity to marvel at the wonders of Ancient Greece.

Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will feature 44 precious artefacts with a 400 kilogram sculpture of Greek god Zeus as the centrepiece of the Australian-first exhibition, on show exclusively at Melbourne Museum from Saturday, 23 April.

Created in partnership with Greece’s National Archaeological Museum, the exhibition showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the museum’s centuries-old collection, on display for the first time outside of Greece.

The exhibition includes an impressive marble sphinx with a female head and the body of a winged lion, a collection of artefacts depicting Heracles – the greatest of all Greek heroes – and many more ornate sculptures, potteries and antiquities.

Secured by the Labor Government, Open Horizons will connect Victoria’s Greek community to stories and relics from their ancient history while introducing a new generation of visitors to a culture that continues to have an impact on the modern world.

The opening weekend program includes story time readings for children, guided exhibition tours, hands-on activities and a special guest lecture by Dr Anna Vasiliki Karapanagiotou, Director of National Archaeological Museum on the afternoon of Saturday, 23 April.

Admission to Open Horizons is included with general admission to Melbourne Museum, with the exhibition running from 23 April–14 August. For more information on the program, visit museumsvictoria.com.au/open-horizons.