Hollywood Rome comes to Chichester

An exciting new exhibition coming to The Novium Museum this spring will bring Hollywood to Chichester, for an entirely new take on Ancient Rome.

Hollywood Rome: Reel Life in the Ancient World will feature stunning costumes, props and posters from some big name modern epics such as Gladiator, Centurion, King Arthur and Ben Hur. This will be the first time the touring exhibition, curated by Pop-Up Exhibitions, has been shown.

The exhibition will interpret the films in the context of the history and archaeology that have inspired film makers, presenting historical figures in a way that will connect with modern audiences and fans of historical cinema.

It will include interactive and handling elements, original cinema posters and banners and fabric hangings used in Gladiator. There will also be a selection of memorabilia from classic 'sword and sandal' flicks of the 1950s and 1960s.

"This will be a colourful exhibition with something for all the family," says Councillor Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Chichester "The Romans are always a popular topic with children and adults alike, and we hope visitors will have fun as well as wanting to find out more about Roman history."

Stephanie Thorndyke, manager of The Novium Museum says: "We are always looking at innovative ways to bring history to life. By tapping into people's love of cinema, and looking at some of the big stories and legends that have made their way onto the screen, we can link with our own rich Roman heritage."

Barry Chandler, Director of Pop Up Exhibitions adds: "Pop Up Exhibitions are thrilled to be showing our collection of Roman themed film and TV costumes at The Novium Museum. The collection has taken years to build and we are excited to see it all on display for the first time in Chichester. We are sure visitors will love it!"

A series of events organised by The Novium Museum will accompany the exhibition, including two evening talks in May:

• Thursday 2 May, 6.30pm: set and costume designer Ryan Dawson Laight will present a talk entitled 'Pencils, Paint, Process & Performance'.
• Thursday 16 May, 6.30pm: Keith Lodwick, Curator - Theatre and Performance at the Victoria & Albert Museum will discuss Hollywood Costume.

Tickets for the events cost £6 per person and can be booked at www.thenovium.org or by calling 01243 816525.

Hollywood Rome: Reel Life in the Ancient World opens on Saturday, 6 April until Sunday, 8 September, and will replace the current Chichester Camera Club: A Celebration of People and Places exhibition, which will close to the public on Saturday, 9 March 2019.

Admission is free, with donations gratefully received. Further information is available at www.thenovium.org or by calling 01243 775888.