Today an exhibition opens at the Louvre in Paris entitled The Saga of the Thracian Kings, Archaeological Discoveries in Bulgaria. The opening ceremony's attendance includes government officials from Bulgaria and France. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the Vice President of the European Commission Kristalina Georgieva and renowned French singer Sylvie Vartan have been invited to join the opening as well.
The concept and selection of items have been made by three French and two Bulgarian scholars. The display will feature 1629 items from 17 Bulgarian museums plus 20 items from the Louvre itself and eleven other cultural institutions, including the British Museum and the Prado Museum.
The exhibition key highlight is a unique masterpiece of classical antiquity art - the bronze portrait head of Thracian king Seuthes III, the possession of the National Archeological Institute with a Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. The Thracian treasures are arranged in four halls of the Richelieu Wing in close proximity to the glass pyramid entrance of the Louvre and will be easily accessible for the largest museum audiences worldwide in the period from 16 April till 20 July.
One of the exhibition's French curators Dr Alexandre Baralis talked to Radio Bulgaria about the event:
"This is a unique event for Bulgaria, and judging from the press there is great interest from potential audiences. I can see an evolution judging from my friends with whom we have been working jointly with Bulgaria for 14 years now. They knew almost nothing about the country. Today they are aware of the mountains, the Black Sea coast, the natural sights and the culture of Bulgaria. A big step forward has been made, believe me! By opening the doors of the Louvre, its director Jean-Luc Martinez has given Bulgaria a unique chance to present duly its cultural heritage, a contemporaryviewpoint at history, and I believe that this is the beginning of rewarding cooperation since Bulgaria has other worthy things to show to the world”, concluded curator Dr Alexandre Baralis.
English Daniela Konstantinova
