HEROES
OF GREECE - THE AGE OF TROY
June 4, 2026 - March 7, 2027
Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal’s archaeology and history complex, had announced the opening of the new exhibition Heroes of Greece. The Age of Troy. Guided by the Iliad, the legendary epic featuring heroes and powerful gods and goddesses, this major exhibition explores the origin and legacy of this seminal work attributed to the poet Homer. At the crossroads of myth and reality, the exhibition immerses visitors in history, showcasing nearly 400 authentic objects—treasures of Greece—from 28 Greek museums and archaeological sites. Several works are being presented on display for the first time in North America.
The exhibition presents some of the greatest historical and literary adventures: the Trojan War, Homer’s heroes and the gods of Olympus—a heroic saga of human passions and divine conflicts. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the origins of the myth and discover the secrets behind this epic that has shaped the Greek imagination and left its influence on the Western world and many civilizations throughout the centuries. It unveils unique pieces that give visitors a chance to explore a fascinating narrative and follow the paths of its protagonists. These pieces also shed light on the historical and cultural contexts in which these writings were relayed and disseminated.
Anne Élisabeth Thibault, Executive Director of Pointe-à-Callière, stated:
"It is always a great source of pride to host a large-scale international exhibition at Pointe-à-Callière. Seeing these objects brought together in one place is an exceptional event, made possible through a collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) and several museums. Beyond their beauty, these objects embody the enduring legacy of Homeric myth, inviting visitors to encounter Achilles, Odysseus, and Helen. It is fascinating to see how these narratives, over 3,000 years old, remain relevant today and how their heroes continue to move us. Rarely has Greece agreed to lend a heritage collection of such magnitude to a museum in North America, making this exhibition a major cultural happening and an exceptional museum event."
A Journey Between Myth and Historical Reality
To begin, the exhibition opens by introducing the visitors to the great figures of the Iliad: Helen, Paris, Agamemnon, Achilles, Ajax, Hector, and other protagonists whose epic journeys is revealed throughout the exhibition.
The visit then leads to an exploration of the poet Homer—an enigmatic figure if ever there was one—to whom this work is attributed. Opinions are divided: Was Homer the sole author? Did he really exist? The exhibition reveals the era in which he is believed to have lived: the Iron Age (c. 1100–800 BCE), a period marked by social upheaval and the emergence of ironwork. Authentic amphorae, oinochoai, lekythoi, skyphos (all distinct types of ancient Greek pottery, weapons, and statuettes bear witness to this pivotal period in Greek history, from which Homer introduces elements in the Iliad.
The journey continues on Mount Olympus, home of the gods and goddesses, where we meet the true instigators of the Trojan War. They directly intervene in the fate of mortals, supporting or opposing the heroes. Zeus, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon reveal their central role through impressive statues and artifacts!
Leaving the exhibition’s ground floor and ascending to the first floor, the visitors will step back in time, nearly 400 years before Homer’s era, the period that inspired the Iliad and during which the Trojan War is believed to have taken place. The exhibit delves into the heart of the rich and powerful Mycenaean civilization of the Bronze Age (1600–1200 BCE). Reflecting a time of great prosperity, the objects on display illustrate the exceptional know-how of Mycenaean artisans of that period, as well as their way of life: gold ornaments, exquisite jewelry, weapons, and figurines.
Towards the end, the exhibition takes the visitors to the heart of major episodes of the conflict that took place in Troy, from its origin to the fall of the city, all revealed through original illustrations and exceptional artifacts.
Located in northern Greece, Argilos is one of the oldest Greek colonies. Since 1992, the Canadian Institute in Greece—which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—has been conducting a Greek-Canadian archaeological mission at the site. The Argilos site has revealed the remains of a prosperous city, with shops, residential areas, and infrastructure that bear witness to its economic vitality. Several artifacts discovered at Argilos are featured in the exhibition.
Complementing the exhibition this summer
GUIDED TOURS
The Museum offers guided tours during which visitors can explore the exhibition and ask questions:
Guided tours (20 min.) / every day (schedules at the reception counter)
Visitor’s booklet for families
LECTURES
The Archaeology of Mycenaean, Bronze Age, and Iron Age Civilizations, with Jacques Y. Perreault, Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences — Department of History and Director of the Canadian Institute in Greece / Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 7 pm
The lecture series will continue with a rich program in the fall of 2026.
EVENT
The summer Apéro-Expo event will offer a unique opportunity to visit the exhibition in a friendly and festive atmosphere with a DJ, access to the Museum’s rooftop terrace, and flavours of the Greek islands.
Apéro-Expo / Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
On Sundays during the summer, enjoy free Heroic Greece themed activities for the whole family. Activities include myths and legends, drawing, dancing, and music!
Family Sundays: July 12, 19, and 26 and August 16 and 23, 2026, from 1 pm to 4 pm
See the complete program on Pointe-à-Callière’s website : www.pacmusee.qc.ca
Acknowledgements
The exhibition Heroes of Greece. The Age of Troy is a joint production of Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s archaeology and history complex, and the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic (Greece). In partnership with Desjardins – Caisse du Centre-Ville-de-Montréal, Air Canada Cargo, YUL – Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Tourisme Montréal, St-Sulpice Hotel, and La Presse. The Museum sincerely thanks its lenders, sponsors, and partners.
All photos in this article @ Nadia Slejskova
About Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
Inaugurated in 1992, on the city’s 350th anniversary, Pointe-à-Callière is today the largest archaeology museum in Canada and the busiest history museum in Montréal. Rising above a concentrated number of historic and archaeological sites of national significance—including the birthplace of Montréal, the Museum has a mission to preserve its collections and to further knowledge, while showcasing and fostering an appreciation for Montréal’s archaeological and historical heritage. This mission is carried out through various activities focused on conservation, research, presentation, education, and inclusion, along with community initiatives benefiting both Montrealers and visitors to the city. Pointe-à-Callière is a partner of the City of Montréal.
