Visitor Voices – Being Young and Growing Old in the Ancient World

The ancient Greeks were known for their love of getting together in a relaxed environment, breaking bread and arguing philosophy, politics, the meaning of life and everything in between. Inspired by these ancient symposia, Visitor Voices invites you to explore some of life's age-old questions from a modern perspective, in a casual group environment.

These fortnightly discussions will unleash your inner philosopher as Museum staff guide a Socratic discussion among a small group of participants. Socratic discussions place emphasis on a shared, equal dialogue – staff will open conversation with thought-provoking questions which participants are encouraged to discuss and ask questions in return, creating a back and forth dialogue between institution and visitor.

Each session will delve into a new theme, with no prior knowledge required – just a sense of curiosity and a willingness to join in! Tickets include Museum general admission.

Please note, due to the discussion of mature themes, this program is recommended for audiences aged 15 years and older.

Session 3 – Being Young and Growing Old in the Ancient World

Our modern culture of anti-ageing echoes the ancient Greek ideal of the youthful, perfectly proportioned human body of the athlete, warrior, goddess or maiden, displayed in many sculptures of smooth marble bodies. The division between youth and old age is persistent in Greek poetry, theatre and myth, and it seems there was no category for life in between these binaries. Join us as we explore the Greeks and Romans who celebrated and criticised youth and old age; learn the ancient secrets of longevity; discuss how people lived, aged and died in the past; and how we see these stages and meanings of our own lives today.

Explore other sessions:

• Session 1  – Sat 1 July – Memento Mori: The Art of Living and Dying
• Session 2 – Sat 15 July – Aphrodisia: Sexuality, Pleasure & Identity
• Session 4 – Sat 12 August – Ideal Cities, Ideal Lives? Ancient and Modern Urbanity
• Session 5 – Sat 26 August – What is Beauty? The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, from Plato to Adichie