Titled ‘LGBTIQ+ Stories in the Museum Collection’, the self-guided tour directs visitors to eleven objects within the museum's permanent exhibitions. It aims to uncover narratives about gender and sexuality that are often overlooked in traditional museum presentations.
The tour examines how people in various ancient cultures—from Egypt to Rome—expressed and understood identities that did not conform to rigid norms. Rather than applying modern labels, it explores the historical context of these lives and relationships.
From Emperors to Everyday Life
The selected objects provide a window into a diverse range of experiences. The tour discusses the well-documented love life of the Roman Emperor Trajan and his male partners, and explores the story of Emperor Elagabalus, who, according to some historical accounts, expressed a desire to live as a woman.
Other highlights include an ancient Greek love dedication to a young man named Antimenes and an examination of the gender presentation of the Egyptian couple Maya and Merit through their elaborate wigs. The tour not only shares these stories but also questions how antiquity has influenced contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality, and how these themes connect to modern LGBTQ+ identities.
Visitor Information
Key details for those interested in attending:
- Dates: 1 March to 31 March, available during regular museum hours.
- Location: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Rapenburg 28, 2311 EW Leiden.
- Cost: The audio tour is free, but a standard museum entrance ticket is required.
- Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair friendly.
- More Info: For current opening times and ticket prices, please refer to the official museum website.
In addition to the audio tour, the museum is also hosting guided tours on the theme 'Queer in Antiquity' on the evenings of March 19 and the afternoon of March 22.
