The Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco has opened a new exhibition titled “The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy,” running from May 2 to September 20. Curated by Renée Dreyfus, the show features over 20 objects from international institutions including the Vatican, the Louvre, and the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, highlighting the art, culture, and progressive social roles of women in Etruscan society through bronze and terracotta vessels, sculptures, and gold jewelry.
This exhibition is significant because it is the first major U.S. show on the Etruscans in two decades, bringing attention to a civilization often overshadowed by the Greeks and Romans. By presenting masterpieces never before seen in the United States, it offers a bold re-evaluation of Etruscan contributions to Western culture, from craftsmanship to gender equality, and underscores the ongoing archaeological discoveries that continue to reshape our understanding of ancient history.