Exhibition “The Thread of Ariadne. Haute Couture in Minoan Crete and Mycenae”
It is always a special joy to bring a piece of Greece abroad – on May 5th, 2022, the exhibition “The Thread of Ariadne. Haute Couture in Minoan Crete and Mycenae” opened at the Archaeological Collections of the University of Graz, uniting archaeology, art, and historical imagination. In this context, I had the privilege of contributing to the exhibition’s concept and curatorial planning – a project that combined scholarly research with creative interpretation to bring the elegance and sophistication of Aegean Bronze Age dress to life.
The exhibition presented experimental garments inspired by wall paintings, vessels, and figurines from the Bronze Age cultures of Greece (2nd millennium BC). Since no ancient textiles have survived, these reconstructions by Dr. Bernice Jones offered visitors a rare opportunity to experience the vibrancy, technique, and artistry of Aegean craftsmanship –
revealing how textiles once carried meaning far beyond their practical function.
Textiles held a central place in Aegean society – not merely as clothing, but as symbols of prestige, exchange, and devotion. Offered as diplomatic gifts, tributes, or ritual offerings, they reflected the social and spiritual values of the time. Their reconstruction illuminates both
the artistry and the cultural significance of textile production in prehistoric Greece. In addition to the garments, visitors could admire replicas of Minoan and Mycenaean artifacts, most belonging to the Archaeological Collections of the University of Graz, acquired in 1912. Among them were casts from the Temple Repositories of Knossos – a reflection of the university’s early scholarly engagement with Minoan culture following the discoveries of Sir Arthur Evans.
The exhibition was a collaboration between the University of Graz – with Dr. Elisabeth Trinkl and Dr. Elli Papazoi – and the University of Vienna, represented by Dr. Fritz Blakolmer. It was developed within two museology courses at the University of Graz, where students actively contributed to exhibition design, research, and museum education. Following its successful presentation in Graz, the exhibition was later hosted at the Museum of Plaster Casts of Ancient Art at the University of Vienna, further strengthening the cultural and academic bridge between the two universities.
The opening ceremonies were attended by distinguished guests from Austria’s political and cultural scene – including Mr. Günther Riegler, City Councillor for Culture – and by representatives of the Embassy of Greece in Austria, with Ambassador Aikaterini Koika. Their presence highlighted the continuing dialogue between Greek and Austrian cultural institutions.
