This summer, the Getty Villa Museum unveils “The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece”, the first major North American exhibition devoted to the Mycenaeans—one of the most influential civilizations of the Late Bronze Age. On view from June 27, 2025, through January 12, 2026, the show presents over 230 stunning artifacts from Messenia, the heartland of ancient Pylos.
Divided into four immersive sections, the exhibition invites visitors into a world of palaces, tombs, warriors, and myth. It begins with the Palace of Nestor, the best-preserved Mycenaean palace discovered in mainland Greece. Excavated in 1939, the site revealed richly inscribed Linear B tablets, offering rare insight into Mycenaean administration and language.
The second section centers on the extraordinary discovery of the Griffin Warrior Tomb, unearthed in 2015 near the palace. The shaft grave contained an elite warrior’s remains and a trove of exquisite objects—including the Pylos Combat Agate, a masterpiece of miniature Minoan carving that stunned archaeologists with its detail and artistry.
Next, the exhibition explores the Tholos Tombs of Pylos, grand beehive-shaped structures that housed generations of elite families. Their contents, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian motifs, underscore the region’s far-reaching trade networks.
Finally, the exhibition surveys Pylos’s wider territory, showcasing luxury grave goods from its outer provinces. A silver-inlaid dagger, a boar’s-tusk helmet like those described by Homer, and a golden crown from Routsi are among the highlights.
Organized in collaboration with Greek institutions, this exhibition not only celebrates Mycenaean achievements but also tells the story of the archaeologists who uncovered them. It’s a rare chance to experience the art, architecture, and power of Greece’s first great civilization—right in the heart of California.
Following its presentation at the Getty Villa Museum, the exhibition will be on display at the Hellenic National Archaeological Museum in Athens from March 1 to June 30, 2026.
On May 15, 2025, Adidas launched a spectacular drone show from the Zappeion Hall in Athens, during which illuminated drones formed the shape of a sneaker and the company's logo. From certain angles, the shoe appeared to hover over the Acropolis, creating the impression that it was "kicking" the ancient monument. The Greek Ministry of Culture deemed the stunt offensive and illegal, as no permission had been granted for commercial use of the archaeological site. Minister Lina Mendoni announced legal action, and the Athens Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the incident.
On May 16, 2025, a section of the iconic dolphin fresco replica at the Palace of Knossos in Crete collapsed due to strong winds. The replica, created in the 1960s as a reconstruction of the original Minoan artwork, suffered significant damage. Fortunately, the original fresco is preserved safely at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and was not affected. The incident raised concerns about the preservation conditions at the archaeological site.
The Greek Ministry of Culture has initiated the restoration and enhancement of the monumental Agora at the archaeological site of Dion, a significant cultural and historical landmark in Macedonia. Overseen by the Pieria Antiquities Ephorate, the project aims to preserve and promote this central hub of ancient civic life, which once housed public buildings, baths, and an odeon. The first phase is nearing completion, with subsequent stages planned for later this year. Recent upgrades include a renovated entrance, a new gift shop, and a refreshment area, enhancing the visitor experience. This initiative underscores Greece's commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage for future generations.
