The world of Stonehenge ★★★★★ The British Museum | Feb 17 - Jul 17, 2022


This is a truly stunning exhibition. It brings together over 430 objects from 35 lenders and allows treasures from across the UK and Europe to communicate the story of their creators. We are invited into a fascinating world that coexisted with that of the Egyptians who contemporaneously built the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid at Giza. While the Stonehenge circle is probably one of the most recognised images that exists, its meanings and history remain shrouded in mystery for most of us. This wonderfully curated exhibition provides a context for the monument's creation and explores its ongoing fascination for the ancient and modern world. The various pieces are quite breathtaking and it would be simply impossible to single out any one single object as a favourite. The absolutely awesome "Seahenge," the beautiful "Nebra Sky Disc" or the treasures buried with the Amesbury Archer – they are all bound to capture the imagination and to transport the spectator to the world of the builders and later users of the Stonehenge site. We are exposed to ingenious and creative cultures that worshipped, buried their dead, and contemplated the wonders of the universe via their magnificent creations. This is more than an exhibition for those curious about the monument on Salisbury Plain. It succeeds in piquing not only one's imagination about humanity's history, but encourages the visitor to share our ancestors' contemplation of our place in the cosmos.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Image: Nebra sky disc, Germany, about 1600 BC. State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt, Juraj Lipták

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK

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