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In an awe-inspiring fusion of ancient history, contemporary science, and modern technology, the Italian Embassy to Lebanon, in collaboration with the NABU Museum, is set to captivate audiences with an enthralling exhibition, Mediterranea – Visions of an Ancient and Complex Sea. The unique event will unfurl on June 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the prestigious NABU Museum in El Heri.
Mediterranea is a spectacular visual narration that eloquently chronicles the majestic beauty, vibrant cultures, fascinating myths, and kaleidoscopic history of what is fondly termed as the “liquid continent.” A brainchild of an innovative and distinctive concept, this exhibition has been pitched exclusively to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for international display.
Remarkably, Mediterranea draws upon high-resolution satellite imagery procured and sometimes processed by eminent space entities like the Italian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and Telespazio/e-Geos. These breathtaking cosmic vistas of the Mediterranean, when intertwined with ancient maps and classical works of art, create a rich tapestry that embodies a synthesis of culture, art, and science. The exhibition further accentuates Italy’s pivotal role, promoting the globally renowned “Made in Italy” brand through an impressive amalgamation of cultural, artistic, and innovative technological content.
The enthralling journey through Mediterranea unfolds through three pivotal segments: chronicles of lands and seas, societies and culture, flora and fragrances and the contemporary Mediterranean.
Through a combination of vibrant satellite images, engaging videos, and captivating site-specific installations, the exhibition presents a nuanced narrative of the Mediterranean’s complex history, including the contemporary challenges that imperil its existence.
Satellite imagery offers mesmerizing views of bustling cities and harbors, emblematic of the vibrant trade and cultural exchanges; verdant coastal lands peppered with olive groves, fig trees, and vineyards, potent symbols of the Mediterranean ethos, now facing the threat of erosion; and enchanting islands, stoic protectors of precious archaeological relics of past civilizations. These islands are not only popular destinations of contemporary mass tourism, they also serve as temporary waypoints for diverse migratory flows headed North.
In a nutshell, Mediterranea promises to be an immersive voyage, marrying the echoes of the past with the whispers of the present, all through the lens of modern technology.
