A variety of special programs complement the exhibition Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome. All events are free, unless otherwise noted. Admission to the Getty Villa and to the exhibition is FREE; an advance, timed-entry ticket is required for general admission. For more, see information on planning a visit or call (310) 440-7300.

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Lectures

Underwater Archaeology off Sicily: Rewriting Naval Warfare in the Third Century B.C.

In 241 B.C., off the west coast of Sicily, Roman warships ensnared a Carthaginian fleet loaded with supplies, defeated it, and brought an end to the First Punic War. Underwater archaeologist Jeff Royal speaks about the discovery of remains from one of the battles, including rams and helmets, that provide new insights about warfare in the ancient world.

Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
Getty Villa, Auditorium



The Archimedes Palimpsest: Beyond the Surface

Reviel Netz and William Noel, authors of The Archimedes Codex, discuss how they used modern technology to uncover the secrets behind one of the world's most treasured books—a 13th-century prayer book that contains erased treatises by the great ancient scientist Archimedes. Free; a ticket is required.

Thursday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.
Getty Villa, Auditorium


The Art of Coinage: Sicily in the Fifth Century B.C.

The coinage of Sicily was abundant and of a quality unparalleled in the ancient Greek world. Classical archaeologist and numismatist Carmen Arnold-Biucchi of Harvard University presents coins as works of art, rather than simply monetary instruments. Free; a ticket is required.

Thursday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.
Getty Villa, Auditorium



At the Sicilian Table: Culinary Pleasures of Ancient Sicily

Enjoy a three-course dinner of elegant, delicately flavored dishes inspired by the cuisine of Sicily during the 4th century B.C. Learn about one of the earliest foodies, Archestratus of Gela, whose humorous writings celebrated good eating and luxurious living. Tickets $125 (includes wine). Tickets available beginning Monday, July 1.

Saturday, July 20, (lecture, 5:30 p.m.; dinner, 7:00 p.m.)
Getty Villa, Auditorium and Inner Peristyle

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Gallery Courses

Myths and Monsters

In antiquity, Sicily was an important island at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, considered the home of fascinating and dangerous beings—and even an access point to the Underworld! Explore with educator Shelby Brown the range of myths associated with this island, and then visit the galleries to see mythological creatures and narratives in art. Course fee $30 (includes parking).

Sunday, April 14, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Meeting Rooms and Museum galleries



Masterpieces from Sicily

Discover how Sicilian Greeks were innovative leaders of the Mediterranean world in art, architecture, and science in the 5th through 3rd centuries B.C. Explore masterworks and examine fascinating evidence about the scientist Archimedes (of Eureka! fame). Then view the galleries with curators Claire Lyons and Alexandra Sofroniew. Course fee $35 (includes parking).

Saturday, May 11, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Meeting Rooms and Museum galleries



Combat and Crashes: Entertainment in Circus and Arena

Long before NASCAR and Ultimate Fighting, the Romans set the standard for exciting and violent shows in huge public facilities. Compare myth and reality, explore the social and political function of mass entertainment, and learn the details of chariot racing, gladiatorial duels, and "heavy" sports. Then decide how (or if) time has altered public interest in watching violence for fun. Course fee $35 (includes parking).

Friday, June 8, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Meeting Rooms and Museum galleries



Artist-at-Work Demonstrations

Songs of Sicily

Join musicians Roberto Catalano and Enzo Fina of Musicàntica for a courtyard concert featuring Sicilian folk songs. Performed using traditional instruments and vocal techniques, the songs celebrate love, work, religion, dance, and daily life on the island of Sicily. This is a free, drop-in program.

Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Inner Peristyle


Metalworking Techniques

Join the craftspeople of the Legion Six Historical Society to learn about metalworking in antiquity. Watch a live demonstration of the tools and techniques used for creating objects for daily use from parts of armor to ancient coins and try your hand at making an inscribed tablet. This is a free, drop-in program.

Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, 22 and 23
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Education Court


Songs of Sicily

Join musician Roberto Catalano of Musicàntica for a courtyard concert featuring Sicilian folk songs. Performed using traditional instruments and vocal techniques, the songs celebrate love, work, religion, dance, and daily life on the island of Sicily. This is a free, drop-in program.

Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11, 17 and 18
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Inner Peristyle


Culinary Workshop

Sicilian Gourmet

Art, literature, and food history intersect in this workshop inspired by the Hedypatheia (Life of Luxury), a humorous guide to good eating written in the 4th century B.C. Join Maite Gomez-Rejón for a tour of the exhibition Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome, then pick herbs in the garden and prepare a meal inspired by ancient Sicilian cuisine. Course fee $85 (includes parking).

Friday, June 28, 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Repeats Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30
Getty Villa, Meeting Rooms and Museum galleries



Family Activities

Eureka! Lab

Drop in to explore the mind of Archimedes, an ancient scientific genius! Michael Wilson of L.A. Makerspace leads demonstrations while you try your hand at experiments that Archimedes first solved. This is a free, drop-in program.

Saturdays, July 6–27, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Outer Peristyle


Related Exhibit

Between Mozia and Lilibeo, Landscapes and Monuments of Sicily

Don't miss the exhibit on view at the Italian Cultural Institute, Los Angeles, describing the culture and identities of Sicily and, in particular, of the historic-archeological-naturalistic district of Marsala, home of the Statue of a Youth (the Mozia Charioteer) on view at the Getty Villa.

Tuesday, June 4 – Saturday, June 15
The Italian Cultural Institute
1023 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024


Curator's Gallery Talk

A curator of Antiquities at the J. Paul Getty Museum leads an hour-long tour of the exhibition. Sign-up begins 15 minutes before the tour at the Tour Meeting Place.


Free GettyGuide® Multimedia Player

The wealthy city-states of ancient Sicily rivaled Greece in their culture, power, and influence. Discover the island's treasures and why it's considered the jewel of the ancient Mediterranean. Pick up an iPod touch at the GettyGuide Desk on the first floor of the Museum.


Related Publication

Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome
Edited by Claire L. Lyons, Michael Bennett, and Clemente Marconi
(Hardcover, $60.00)

This richly illustrated volume demonstrates Sicily's essential role in the ancient Mediterranean world. Publications are available in the Getty Museum Store, by calling (310) 440-7059, or online at www.getty.edu/bookstore.

Publication

Sicily on The Iris