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  • These displays explore more than a thousand years of artistic and cultural history, from the decline of the Roman Empire to the foundation of modern Europe. The legacy of Rome remained an enduring point of reference for rulers, artists and scholars throughout the period. Across Europe, the classical past was continually refashioned and used in new ways. Religious belief also played a profound role, particularly that of the Christian Church.

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  • Music licensing

    • ‘Minuet IV’ by Pedro António Avondano (1714–1782). Performed by L'Avventura London, directed by Žak Ozmo. From the album: ‘18th-century Portuguese Love Songs’, Hyperion Records. Courtesy of Hyperion Records Ltd, London.
    • ‘Sonata no. 11 in B flat, op. 22: Allegro con brio’ by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). Played by Zvi Meniker. From the album: ‘Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas on Period Instruments’, Claves Records. Permission to use this track kindly provided by Claves Records.
    • ‘Prelude in C’ by Louis Couperin (c.1626–1661). Played by Bob van Asperen. From the album: ‘Passacaille de Mr Couperin’, AE-10114, AEOLUS. Courtesy of AEOLUS Music, Germany.
    • ‘Chaconne et Coeur. C’est Médor qu’une Reine si belle’ by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632–1687) and Philippe Quinault (1635–1688). Performed by Les Talens Lyriques, directed by Christophe Rousset. From the album: ‘Lully – Roland’, Ambroisie. Courtesy of Naïve Records and Les Talens Lyriques.
    • ‘Totus Amore languens’ by Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725). Performed by Il Seminario Musicale, with Véronique Gens and Gérard Lesne. From the album: ‘Alessandro Scarlatti Motets’, Virgin Veritas. Licensed courtesy of Warner Music UK Ltd.

  • Audio guide supported by The BAND Trust Credits