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PERSIA

Ancient Iran and the Classical World

April 6–August 8, 2022

The Getty Villa

FREE (Reservations Required, Parking $20)

Ancient Iran, historically known as Persia, was the dominant nation of western Asia for over a millennium (about 550 BC–AD 650), with three native dynasties controlling an empire of unprecedented size and complexity. This exhibition, part of the Getty Museum’s program The Classical World in Context, explores the artistic and cultural connections between the rival powers of Iran, Greece, and Rome. Works on view include royal sculpture, spectacular luxury objects, religious images, and historical documents assembled from major museums in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The exhibition is supported by an immersive film presentation exploring the site and palaces of the ceremonial capital of Achaemenid Persia, Persepolis.

Learn more by reading our press release.

Artifacts from left to right: 1. Bracelet with Griffin Terminals, Achaemenid, about 400 BC. Gold, once laid with semiprecious stones. British Museum, London. Presented by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, 1897. Image © The Trustees of the British Museum. 2. Earring with Inlays, Achaemenid, late 400s–early 300s BC. Gold with turquoise, lapis lazuli, and cornelian. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Edward J. and Mary S. Holmes fund. Photograph © 2022 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 3. Persian Guard, Achaemenid, 486–465 BC. Limestone. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Archibald Cary Coolidge Fund. Photograph © 2022 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 4. Plaque with a Winged Lion-Griffin, Achaemenid, 500–330 BC. Gold. The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. Image: Courtesy of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.

Explore the Exhibition

The exhibition Persia: Ancient Iran and the Classical World is made possible through the generosity of our supporters and partners.

Lead Supporters: Anahita and James Lovelace in memory of Professor Ebrahim Pourdavoud

Major supporters: Elizabeth and Bruce Dunlevie, Farhang Foundation, Ellen and David Lee, Georgia and Ronald P. Spogli, and the Getty Patron Program

Exhibition Cultural Partner: Farhang Foundation

Exhibition Academic Partner: Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World, UCLA