The Museum of Sacred Art of the Nicolás Darío Latourrette Bo Foundation has opened a temporary exhibition on Greek artefacts and mythology during Paraguay’s winter holidays, up until 26 July 2026. The exhibition features original archaeological pieces dating back up to 2,500 years. Titled “Greek Myths: From Hellenism to Neoclassicism”, the exhibition explores the influence of ancient Greek culture on Western art. The private collection includes Greek archaeological pieces, Roman frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and an Etruscan funerary urn.
The exhibition allows visitors to discover works that have rarely been displayed publicly in Paraguay. According to museologist Luis Lataza, the aim is to show how Greek mythology shaped artistic traditions across centuries.
The legacy of Greek myths through art
The exhibition presents a journey through the evolution of Greek myths and their representation in art. It explores how stories of gods, heroes, and legendary figures changed over time. Visitors will see how classical Greek traditions influenced later artistic movements. These include the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods. The exhibition also highlights the connection between Greek art and Hispanic-Guaraní Baroque traditions. It demonstrates how classical references continued to appear in different cultural contexts.
The pieces belong to the private collection of Nicolás Darío Latourrette Bo. The collection was originally acquired in 1872 by the Count of Luarca in Spain. It later passed through different owners for more than a century. Latourrette Bo purchased the collection in 1994, bringing the works to Paraguay.
Ancient Pieces from Greece, Pompeii, and Herculaneum
Among the exhibition’s highlights are archaeological objects from the Greek world. The collection also features Roman frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both cities were buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Their remains have provided valuable insight into Roman art and everyday life. An Etruscan funerary urn is also part of the exhibition. The piece reflects the artistic traditions of one of the cultures that influenced ancient Rome. Together, the works illustrate the exchange of ideas between Mediterranean civilisations. They also show how artistic influences travelled across generations.
The exhibition forms part of the Museum of Sacred Art’s temporary programme. The museum regularly presents works from Latourrette Bo’s private collection to the public. Previous exhibitions have featured ancient Egyptian art, European works, and Paraguayan artistic heritage. This new display continues the museum’s focus on connecting historical collections with contemporary audiences.
Visiting the exhibition in Asunción
The temporary exhibition opens every day from 09:00 to 18:00, until 26 July. It takes place at the Museum of Sacred Art, located at the corner of Manuel Domínguez and Paraguarí streets in Asunción. Admission costs ₲25,000 (approximately US$4) per person. The ticket includes access to both the temporary exhibition, and the permanent collection. Children under 12 years old can enter free of charge.
The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to explore thousands of years of history. Through original artefacts and artworks, it reveals the lasting impact of Greek mythology on global culture.
