For centuries, the story of ancient Western civilization has been told through a narrow lens, dominated by the legacies of Greece and Rome. At San Francisco’s Legion of Honor, a groundbreaking exhibition, The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy, is rewriting that narrative. By positioning the Etruscans as a wealthy, innovative superpower of the ancient world, this exhibit is changing how the public view the roots of modern culture.
The exhibition is the culmination of a decade-long conversation between Renée Dreyfus, curator at the Legion of Honor, and Professor Lisa Pieraccini of UC Berkeley. Together, they have assembled a collection that serves as a historic milestone for Italy, California, and the broader archaeological community. For both women leading these projects, the exhibition represents the fulfillment of personal journeys.
