Op-Ed recently published in the Oklahoman
Colossal Roman exhibit arriving at art museum
On Thursday, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art will open Roman Art from the Louvre, an unprecedented exhibition of ancient masterworks, drawn from the Louvre's unparalleled collection. It provides a rare and historic opportunity for Oklahoma audiences to view these magnificent works, most of which have never traveled to the United States.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is proud to be part of this brilliant moment in the development of the capital city and the state. The presentation of Roman Art from the Louvre places Oklahoma City squarely in the ranks of cities hosting exhibitions that stand as cultural landmarks, occupying the top tier in the international community of noteworthy exhibits while cementing important relationships for years to come.
In the planning and design phases of the museum's Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center, we envisioned bringing such dynamic exhibitions to enrich Oklahoma's cultural environment. Now, when so many outstanding Oklahoma entities boast national rank, we await the NBA. But we know that major league cities need more than major league sports; they go hand in hand with major league art and cultural attractions.
Roman Art from the Louvre also is an educational mecca, rich in opportunities, for all ages to get an in-depth look at the public and private life of the Roman Empire from the early first century B.C. to the sixth century A.D. There will be 184 diverse works on display in nine galleries including monumental sculptures, marble busts, jewelry, mosaics, fresco paintings, and implements from daily life in Rome and Pompeii. This is a golden opportunity for Oklahoma's students to experience the Roman Empire as the basis of Western civilization in a dramatic setting. Parents, teachers and principals are encouraged to take advantage of full admission and transportation scholarships through the museum's Yellow Bus Brigade program.
Extensive interpretive activities include lectures, gallery talks with curators, audio tours and a six-week film series. Innovative new media initiatives such as a dedicated Web site featuring podcasts, webisodes and virtual tours are complemented by on-site interactive computer stations with layers of audio visual content for exploration and downloading. These initiatives provide new points of access for visitors in state and around the world.
Roman Art from the Louvre carries out the museum's mission of enriching lives through the visual arts. Bringing great works of art to our city, which our citizens may otherwise not see, also showcases Oklahoma City as a destination of world-class stature. Expect a tremendous economic impact from increased tourism in Oklahoma City. Look for visitors from all 50 states and many countries. Take advantage of a colossal exhibit coming from one of the world's greatest museums. The Romans are coming!
Hill is president and CEO of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The Roman Art from the Louvre exhibit will be on display through Oct. 12.