Many pieces arrived through:
- Napoleonic campaigns
- 19th-century excavations
- Complex international agreements
- Some contested ownership
The museum acknowledges these histories while working on collaborative solutions.
Religious Respect
These weren't just art—they were sacred:
- Temple sculptures had ritual purpose
- Grave monuments honored the dead
- Votive offerings showed real faith
- Mystery religions left traces
Diverse Perspectives
Classical doesn't mean exclusive:
- Egyptian influence on early Greek art
- Eastern traditions in Hellenistic work
- Provincial Roman art shows local traditions
- Women, enslaved people, and foreigners all appear