CaixaForum travels back to the Middle Ages with the help of the British Museum
Over 260 items, many of which are on display for the first time, offer an exhaustive portrait of Medieval Europe.
The Middle Ages is often seen as a dark period in history and rife with superstitions, violence and fear – a step backwards for civilizations compared to the ancient world of the Romans and the Greeks. However, it’s a period that left us numerous expressions of art and culture that we can still admire today. And we’ll soon have the opportunity to do just that. With the collaboration of the British Museum, Barcelona’s CaixaForum is staging the exhibition Els pilars d'Europa. L'edat mitjana al British Museum from 10 March to 18 June. The exhibition also includes items lent by the Spanish National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, the Catalan Museum of National Art and the Frederic Marès Museum.
The exhibition features around 260 items, many of which have never been on display before. The common thread that links them is the search for a common European identity that, in the words of the exhibition’s organisers, “is based on a new approach, placing the accent on the formation of modern Europe and transcending the history of distinct kingdoms and of great national traditions and identities”. The exhibition is divided into five thematic areas: Royal power, ecclesiastic power, life in the court, city life and the legacy of the Middle Ages.
A number of parallel activities are also planned, including guided visits and workshops. The exhibition’s curator, Naomi Speakman, will be giving a talk at 7pm on the opening day.
Additional information is available here.