Image: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen will present ‘Power and Fashion in the Roman Empire’ from 1 October 2026 to 29 March 2027. Spanning more than 1,000 square metres, it is the largest special exhibition on antiquity in the museum’s history.
Drawing on the Glyptoteket’s research into ancient colours, textiles, jewellery and perfume, the exhibition considers clothing and adornment as signals of status, identity and power in the Roman Empire. Its starting point is the museum’s collection of Roman portrait sculptures, alongside loans from international museums.
Among the works is the Glyptoteket’s portrait statue of Emperor Tiberius. New examinations found that its cloak was originally painted pale pink. The exhibition also includes 12 listening stations featuring ancient gossip, satire and commentary by male writers from the period.
Loans include three Roman garments from the British Museum, shown outside the institution for the first time, and parts of a colossal portrait statue of Emperor Septimius Severus from the Archaeological Museum of Burdur in Turkey.
Karmameju has created fragrances based on ancient perfume recipes for four scent stations. The opening takes place on 1 October at 5pm in the museum’s Festsal, with remarks and live music by singer Mette Lindberg.
