Celtic Art Across the Ages

Discover the many forms of Celtic creativity and their artistic legacies in this sweeping story that spans ancient to modern times.

When you think of the word “Celtic,” what do you picture? Perhaps intricate knotwork designs, legendary warriors, or mystical spirituality? Maybe even a certain NBA team? Celtic Art Across the Ages will introduce visitors to the worlds of the various peoples who were historically labeled “Celts”—through the objects they created, the interactions they had across the European continent, and the myths that shaped their legacy, then as now. The exhibition stretches from 800 BCE through today, showcasing the craftsmanship, innovation, cultural connections, and multilayered reception that characterized Celtic art in Europe and beyond.

The first major exhibition on this topic to take place in the United States, Celtic Art Across the Ages offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore masterful metalwork, including exquisitely decorated weaponry, jewelry, and horse and chariot trappings of the first millennium BCE Iron Age and early medieval times, all brought to light through archaeological discoveries of the last 200 years. See how imagery transformed under Roman rule, and trace the revival of Celtic art and identities in the modern era. From shape-shifting ancient ornaments to the more well-known Celtic iconography of medieval Ireland and Scotland, the objects in this exhibition reveal rich and complex artistic traditions that defy stereotypes of what constitutes “Celtic art.”

Check out the exhibition catalogue, with essays from international experts considering the themes of the exhibition and providing a solid introduction to this often underappreciated area of art history.

Curated by Susanne Ebbinghaus, George M.A. Hanfmann Curator of Ancient Art and Head of the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, with Penny Coombe, Kelekian Curatorial Fellow in Ancient Art, and Matthew Rogan, Senior Curatorial Assistant for Special Exhibitions and Publications.

Support for this exhibition is provided by the Kelekian Fund; the Martha Tedeschi Exhibition Fund, made possible by the Lunder Foundation–Peter and Paula Lunder Family; the Susan B. Wood Endowment Fund; and the generosity of Susan B. Wood, Christopher C. Angell A.B. ’66, J.D. ’69, Michael Lehmann A.B. ’63, Sol Rabin M.C.P. ’60, and an anonymous donor. The exhibition catalogue was made possible by the Kelekian Fund and the Andrew W. Mellon Publication Funds. Related programming is supported by the M. Victor Leventritt Lecture Series Endowment Fund.