When compared with ancient coins from the Museum’s collection, they reveal a carefully constructed exercise in political staging. Gods, heroes and monuments inspired by Antiquity helped present the regime as a new Roman Empire, Napoleon as a worthy heir to the Caesars, and Paris as a new Eternal City. The exhibition was created in collaboration with students of Ancient History at the University of Lausanne.

Guided tours will take place on Saturdays 19 September, 17 October, 14 November and 12 December at 2 pm, and on Tuesday 19 January at 12.15 pm (duration: 1 hour).

The focus exhibitions offer fresh and unexpected perspectives on the collections and contemporary art in a small-scale format. They take place in the multi-purpose room that houses the Ruckers harpsichord.