NEW YORK.- The rival Hellenic city-states, Sparta and Athens, were distinct from one another not only politically and culturally, but also artistically. While ancient Sparta was famous for militarism and austerity, its artistic developments are typically regarded as less advanced than those of Athens, which has long been revered for producing some of the most exquisite artworks in all of ancient Greece.

Athens-Sparta, opening on December 6, 2006 at the Onassis Cultural Center in New York, will trace both Laconic and Attic artistic developments from the 8th to the 5th centuries B.C., with a focus on the historically overlooked achievements made in Spartan art during this period. Over 250 rare artifacts from the two city-states will be brought together in this exhibition, many of which are visiting the U.S. for the first time. Highlights of Athens-Sparta will include a marble head of Leonidas, from the 6th century B.C., and Laconic bronze figurines of hoplites, from the 8th to the 6th centuries B.C., with loans drawn from institutions across Greece, including the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.

This exhibition will be on view at the Onassis Cultural Center from December 6, 2006 - May 12, 2007 and furthers the Center’s mission to bring in-depth understanding of all facets of Greek culture to American audiences.