The Archaeological Museum of Chania welcomes the temporary exhibition “Bath Time! Body – Water – Dialogues”, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Sports – Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania.
The exhibition is realised based on the idea of and in partnership with the Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM | Marseilles), with the support of the Region of Crete.
Through 137 ancient, medieval and contemporary objects and artworks – from the collections of the Archaeological Museum of Chania and the MuCEM, as well as other museums and collections in Greece and France – an original historical and artistic osmosis is attempted, engaging in a constant dialogue with the various aspects of bathing practices through time, a vital element of Mediterranean cultures.
The Abduction of Europa by Jean-René Gauguin, the Aphrodite of Pavlos Samios and the Hellenistic statuette of the goddess introduce us to the emblematic value of water in the mythological cosmogony of the gods, while The Baptism of Christ by Domenicos Theotocopoulos and the ritual vases of the Classical era highlight the role played by water in the rites of passage of human life.
Private bathing practices are outlined down the centuries through ancient, medieval and contemporary objects. The significance of public baths as places of wellness and socialising from antiquity to the hammam unfolds through paintings by artists of the Flemish School and leading Orientalists (Jean-Léon Gerôme, Theodore Ralli).
From Paul Cézanne’s Bathers to the posters of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, the unique experience offered by contact with nature and the quintessential Mediterranean landscape of sun and sea is celebrated.
Lastly, important aspects of the history of soap are documented, centred on Marseilles and the AVEA factory in Chania, underlining the close ties between the two cities through numerous exhibits such as a variety of French posters and objects from the long history of soap production at the AVEA factory.
The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue available in two languages (English and Greek).
Opening: Monday 23 May 2022 at 19:00 Α constant dialogue with the various aspects of bathing practices through time, a vital element of Mediterranean cultures.
More Info
From 23 May to 05 September 2022 · CHANIA
Archaeological Museum of Chania
Ticket Details
Free admission only for the exhibition.
