Aphrodite: the Making of a Goddess

Venus sailing on a barge, c. 200–250 CE, mosaic from Utica, Tunisia © Musée du Louvre, Dist. GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Luc Maby

Few figures in human history, and fewer women still, have remained so influential for more than 5,000 years. From her earliest origins on the island of Cyprus to her enduring presence in art, fashion and popular culture, Aphrodite has been continually reimagined across the centuries.

Bringing together archaeology, sculpture, painting, contemporary art and fashion, the exhibition traces Aphrodite's remarkable journey through the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, Renaissance Europe, and into the present day. Discover the myths, images and ideas that transformed an ancient deity into one of the most recognisable figures in Western culture.

Featuring over 150 extraordinary objects spanning more than 5,000 years of history, this major exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how Aphrodite's image has shaped changing ideas of beauty, love, femininity and desire, and why she continues to captivate us today.