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IHF AmericaPreserving the arts, languages, history, and culture of Iran
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Final Stop of the Cyrus Cylinder: Los Angeles
Posted on October 2, 2013 by IHF America The exhibition The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning is now open to the public at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles. The 9-week period (Oct 2nd Dec 2nd, 2013) is the last chance for people who live in the U.S. to see this iconic object, before it travels to Mumbai, India for another exhibition. 
Prior to traveling to Los Angeles, the exhibition has been viewed by a quarter of a million visitors:
The Los Angeles display of the exhibition at the Getty Villa is generously sponsored by Farhang Foundation. During the 9 weeks of the Los Angeles stop of the exhibition, a number of events and educational programs are arranged at the Getty Villa:
Symposium Cyrus the Great and the Persian Empire: Perspectives from Antiquity to Today Since its discovery in 1879, the Cyrus Cylinder has prompted wide-ranging discussion about the benevolent nature of Cyruss rule. At this one-day symposium, experts address a range of perspectives from which the Cylinder—and the Achaemenid Empire generally—have been understood. Speakers will consider Babylonian precursors, the Persian and Jewish traditions, the ancient Greek view, and the representation of Cyrus in modern Iran. Symposium fee $15. Generous support for this program was provided by the J. Paul Getty Museums Villa Council. Sunday, October 27, 2013; 10:15 a.m.–5:15 p.m., Auditorium Lectures The Cyrus Cylinder: The Discovery and Creation of an Icon John Curtis, Keeper of Special Middle Eastern Projects at the British Museum, speaks about the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay cylinder inscribed by the Persian king Cyrus the Great after he conquered Babylon (present-day Iraq) in 539 B.C. Curtis explores the reasons for the cylinders historical significance and the importance it has acquired since its discovery in 1879. Free; a ticket is required. Wednesday, October 2, 2013; 7:30 p.m., Auditorium Empire, Authority, and Autonomy in the Achaemenid Persian Empire The Achaemenid Persian Empire (about 550–330 B.C.) was enormous and incorporated many different cultures. Before rapid transit or instant communication, how were affairs of governance conducted in a sociopolitical entity of this size? Archaeologist Elspeth Dusinberre examines government archives, food, alcohol, gender relations, and even the original Pony Express to illuminate how the empire founded by Cyrus the Great functioned. Co-presented with the Archaeological Institute of America. Free; a ticket is required. Tickets available beginning Thursday, October 10, 2013. Saturday, November 2, 2013; 2:00 p.m., Auditorium Gallery Course Cyrus to Alexander: Persians, Greeks, and the Invention of History The Greeks feared, admired, and maligned the Persians from before Cyrus until after Alexander the Great. Explore the Greek view through tales and art with educator Shelby Brown, then compare the Persian perspective and try your hand at cuneiform. The course ends with a tour of the exhibition The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning. Course fee $35 (includes refreshments). Complimentary parking. Saturday, October 19, 2013; 2:00–4:30 p.m., Repeats Sunday, October 20, 2013; 2:00–4:30 p.m, Meeting Rooms Studio Courses Proclamations in Clay Join artist Anna Mayer for a ceramic workshop pairing language and clay. Begin with an exploration of the exhibition The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning. In the studio, learn hand-building techniques to create ceramic cylinders and vessels inscribed with your own text dedications. Ceramics will be fired following the course for later pick-up. Course fee $150 (includes materials and lunch). Complimentary parking. Sunday, October 27, 2013; 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Repeats Sunday, November 17, 2013; 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Education Studio and Museum galleries Culinary Workshop: Ancient Persia Discover the flavors of the ancient Near East with chef and educator Maite Gomez-Rejón. Tour the exhibition The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning and pick herbs in the garden to prepare and enjoy a meal showcasing the multiethnic cuisine of the Persian Empire. Course fee $85. Complimentary parking. Tickets available beginning Tuesday, October 2, 2013. Thursday, November 14, 2013; 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Repeats Friday, November 15, 2013; 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Meeting Rooms and Museum galleries Performance Twinklings of Hope: Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat in Concert The music of Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat reflects the evolution of Persian song. Part of a new generation of musicians who are university educated and devoted to their artistic cause, the Vahdats uphold a waning tradition in todays Iran. Tickets $25. Generous support for this program was provided by the J. Paul Getty Museums Villa Council. Saturday, October 19, 2013; 7:30 p.m., Sunday, October 20, 2013; 3:30 p.m., Auditorium Family Activity Scribes Wanted! Drop by with your family to learn how scribes in ancient Persia created documents such as the Cyrus Cylinder. Try your hand at writing your own cuneiform (a type of old script) message! This is a free, drop-in program. Saturdays, October 5– 26, 2013; 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Outer Peristyle |
CURRENT PROGRAM
IHF America proudly presents the Cyrus Cylinder US Tour, in partnership with the British Museum and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution: cyruscylinder2013.com PRESS
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