April 18 to September
15, 2024
A fascinating exhibition, presented in
collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e
Historia, lifting the veil on Mesoamerica's earliest known
civilization
MONTRÉAL, April 17,
2024 /CNW/ - For the first time in Canada, an exhibition dedicated to the Olmec
civilization and the abundant heritage it left behind is being
presented at Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal's archaeology and history
complex. From April 18 to September 15,
2024, visitors will have an exceptional opportunity to delve
into the cultural riches and mysteries surrounding Mesoamerica's
earliest known civilization. The exhibition features close to 300
objects, including certain masterworks that have never before been
on public display! It offers an unforgettable immersion, through a
journey across almost 4,000 years of history, exchanges, and
traditions.
The Olmecs left behind a monumental cultural legacy that would
not be discovered until the 19th century. Considered to be the
founding people of the Mesoamerican civilizations (1600 BCE to 200
CE), traces of their heritage can be found among the Mayas (1100
BCE to the 16th century) and the Aztecs (13th century to the
16th century), among others. The temporary exhibition Olmecs and
the Civilizations of the Gulf of
Mexico lifts the veil on this civilization that remains
largely unknown to the general public, opening the doors to a
fascinating world.
A Captivating Exploration of Olmec
History
From the city of San Lorenzo
(the cradle of Olmec civilization 3,500 years ago) to the capital
of La Venta (the seat of power at
its apogee) to the final city of Tres Zapotes, the exhibition
takes visitors on a journey through time and across the
civilization's iconic sites. A colossal stone head, jaguar-men,
jade figurines, and monumental stelae and sculptures are on display
throughout the exhibition, providing an understanding of the
Olmecs' social organization and beliefs. These archaeological
treasures also reveal aspects of their way of life, their
ingenuity, and their deep connection to their generous but hostile
natural environment illustrated in their architecture, their
calendar system, and their writing. Their cultural, artistic, and
ideological influence persisted in the civilizations that came
after them. The exhibition continues across the Mesoamerican
landscape with an exploration of objects from various cultures
inspired by this heritage, which has spanned the eras down to the
present day.
An Exceptional International
Collaboration
The magnificent objects on display in this exhibition are the
result of a renewed partnership with Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropología
e Historia (INAH). They include masterpieces from a dozen
Mexican institutions, with most of the objects on loan from the
Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. A colossal head weighing several
tons, along with hundreds of other artifacts, have made the journey
from various Mexican archaeological sites and museums all the way
to Montréal.
"It is with great emotion that we have received these priceless
objects, witnesses to the grandeur of the Olmec civilization. We
are proud to present this exhibition, showcasing these treasures
and giving the public an opportunity for an authentic encounter
with this fascinating culture. The collaboration between our two
institutions bears witness to our shared commitment to promoting
intercultural understanding, and we extend our thanks to all
partners involved. Their contribution has made this enriching and
unforgettable experience possible for our co-citizens and
visitors." Anne Elisabeth Thibault,
Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière.
Olmec Facts and Figures
- The Olmec civilization's era extends from 1600 BCE to 200
CE.
- The Olmecs once occupied a territory that today corresponds to
the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico
to the south of the states of Veracruz and Tabasco.
- The first discovery attributed to the Olmec civilization was a
colossal stone head unearthed by a peasant on the site of
Tres Zapotes in 1858. In all, 17
of these heads have been discovered.
- Archaeological digs have revealed various sculptures decorated
with symbols and patterns that have made it possible to prove the
Olmec's invention of writing and the measurement of time.
- The Olmecs originated a sport that all major Mesoamerican
civilizations would go on to practice: the Mesoamerican
ballgame.
- Olmec traditions that persist in Mexico today: offerings, festive traditions,
patron saint days, etc.
COMPLEMENTING THE
EXHIBITION
Publication
In collaboration with Beaux-Arts magazine, a special issue
dedicated to the exhibition Olmecs and the Civilizations of the
Gulf of Mexico has been
published, offering a deep dive into the heart of Olmec art and
culture through articles written by specialists in the field. This
wonderfully illustrated publication serves to complete the
exhibition experience. It is available for $21.95 at the Museum Shop.
Guided Tours
The Museum is giving guided tours during which you can explore
the exhibition and ask any questions you may have:
- Guided tours (20 min.) / Daily (schedules at the welcome
desk)
- Private tours (50 min.) / Upon reservation
- Family Activity Booklet (available at the welcome desk)
Cultural Activities
All summer long, the Museum is encouraging people to come
explore the exhibition and celebrate Mexican culture and traditions
at several events held in collaboration with Mexican artists and
cultural organizations:
- Cinco de Mayo / Sunday, May 5, from noon
to 4 pm
- Block Party on the Pointe / Saturday,
June 15, from 2 pm to 10
pm
- Family Sundays / Sundays, from July 7
through August 18, from 1 pm to 4
pm
Lectures
To delve further into the topic of the temporary exhibition
Olmecs and the Civilizations of the Gulf of Mexico, Pointe-à-Callière is
presenting a series of three lectures exploring various aspects and
themes addressed in the exhibition:
- Discovering the Olmecs / Thursday, May
16 at 7 pm
- The Evolution of Corn and its Importance in America /
Thursday, August 15 at 7 pm
- Ancient Mesoamerica / Thursday,
September 12 at 7 pm
Explore the program on Pointe-à-Callière's website:
www.pacmusee.qc.ca
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The exhibition Olmecs and the Civilizations of the
Gulf of Mexico is produced by
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal's Archaeology and History Complex, in
collaboration with the Secretaría de Cultura – Instituto
Nacional de Antropología e Historia in Mexico.
The exhibition is presented by Desjardins, and through a
partnership with Air Canada Cargo, Tourisme Montréal, Hôtel
InterContinental Montréal, and La Presse. The Museum sincerely
thanks its lenders, sponsors, and partners.
ABOUT POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE,
MONTRÉAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY COMPLEX
Inaugurated in 1992, on the city's 350th anniversary,
Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in
Canada and the busiest history
museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic
and archaeological sites of national significance—including the
birthplace of Montréal—, the Museum has a mission to preserve its
collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and
fostering an appreciation for Montréal's archaeological and
historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various
activities focused on conservation, research, presentation,
education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives
benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city.
Pointe-à-Callière, proud partner of the City of
Montréal.
SOURCE Société du musée d'archéologie et d'histoire de Montréal
Pointe-à-Callière