Forgotten peoples of world history
Step into the world of forgotten peoples in history with the major archaeological exhibition ‘Dacia – Empire of gold and silver’ at the Drents Museum, where remarkable treasures unveil the story of an ancient empire. Designed by NorthernLight, this exhibition illuminates the rich cultural history of the Dacians, a civilization that thrived before the Roman conquest. Featuring over fifty gold and silver treasures from Romania, spanning from the 20th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the Dacians’ exceptional craftsmanship and the diverse cultural influences that shaped their homeland. These treasures, many of which have never before been displayed in a museum, feature ingeniously crafted objects that carry a mystique and were used in religious rituals and offerings. The exhibition explores the Dacians’ unique position and brings the story of this ‘forgotten people’ to life in the present day.
Mystic esthetic – A journey through time
Visitors will embark on a journey through an introduction portal, that connects the time of today with the Dacians, then step into a space where the mystical aesthetics of Dacian art blend with a modern atmosphere. The exhibition breathes life into the rich gold and silver objects and their hidden stories. The mystical and almost otherworldly qualities of Dacian art are translated into a contemporary, theatrical, stage-like exhibition design. A golden thread connects the objects in the introductory room to the central cosmos, symbolically elevating them to star status. “The origin of gold as stardust from the cosmos is presented in both Dacian times and today’s world as a symbol of wealth, reflecting the Dacians’ tradition of offering gold treasures as sacrifices,” explains Lead Creative Maximilian Pecher. These elements are further enhanced by mystical animations created in collaboration with 3D artist Roxi Basa. In this way, the exhibition connects the origins of gold as cosmic stardust to the wealth of both Dacian times and modern life.
”A large white space. In the middle stands a black mound. Spacious corridors lead to the heart of that mound. All around, golden jewelry is displayed in black cases. Blue light and elusive, spacey lounge music create a dizzying atmosphere.
It is an archaeological exhibition in the Drents Museum in Assen. But you feel as though you are in a burial mound from ancient Celtic tales, offering access to Another World, full of mysterious elves and with a very different sense of time.” – NRC
Thank you
‘Dacia – Empire of Gold and Silver’ will be open until 26 January 2025. Visit the Drents Museum to explore these mesmerizing treasures and the fascinating history behind them. A big thank you goes out to the team of the Drents Museum. Also thanks to IRIS Vormgeving BV for production, 50LUX for lighting, and artist Roxi Brasa for the animations. Photos by Sake Elzinga.
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