SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- From the ninth to the first centuries BC, in the period preceding the Roman empire, Etruscan culture flourished in present-day Tuscany, Italy, leaving behind a rich history and traditions reflected in artistic objects found in tombs, temples, sanctuaries, and homes. Organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the new exhibition The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy presents over 150 objects from this ancient civilization, such as bronze and terracotta vessels and sculptures, dazzling gold jewelry, and other treasures, including for the first time outside of its place of discovery, the unique Liver of Piacenza, a bronze model of a sheep’s liver used by diviners to predict the future will be on display.

The exhibition, at the Legion of Honor museum, presents the latest advances in scholarship, translation of the Etruscan language, and archaeological discoveries, offering visitors modern insight into the ancient culture. Visitors will also take away an understanding of Etruscan contributions to Western architecture, art, and engineering - contributions that have been historically overshadowed by those of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

“Though lesser known than their Roman counterparts, the Etruscans left behind a legacy of outstanding gold and bronze craftsmanship, creating objects of unparalleled beauty,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “After 10 years of careful research and planning, we’re delighted to bring this exhibition to US audiences and hope guests leave with a deep appreciation and understanding of Etruscan artistic achievements and inventions.”

“I have wanted to bring the Etruscans to the forefront for many years,” shared Renée Dreyfus, exhibition curator and George and Judy Marcus Distinguished Curator and Curator in Charge of Ancient Art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “This exhibition tells the story of this overlooked culture, featuring icons of Etruscan art surrounded by equally stunning and fascinating works that are little known or even unknown. Many of these works have never been seen in the United States before.”

The exhibition features a variety of bronze sculptures, mirrors, and elaborate vessels, revealing the Etruscans’ renowned metalworking skills. They exported their wares and natural resources, and imported ideas and goods from their trading partners, including Egypt, the Near East, and mainland Greece. Etruria was rich in metals, particularly copper, tin, and iron; consequently, the Etruscans became master bronzesmiths who exported their finely crafted products throughout the Mediterranean region. A recently uncovered bronze swaddled baby, pulled from the healing waters of the sanctuary in San Casciano dei Bagni, is on view for the first time in the United States.

As a devoutly religious society, the Etruscans put their metalworking and goldsmithing skills to work creating intricate ritual and burial objects. Luxurious grave goods from a wealthy woman’s tomb are on view, including gold jewels; silver, gilded, and bronze objects, on loan from the Vatican’s Gregorian Etruscan Museum. The section on women reveals their high status in Etruscan society.

Etruscan daily life included divination, rituals, and strict religious rules determined by a priestly class. Exemplifying this, the Linen Book of Zagreb—a third-century BC calendar of rituals and sacrifices for specific days of the year and the longest Etruscan inscription known to exist—is being featured in the exhibition, marking its first appearance in the United States. In addition, on view arre several bronze and terracotta objects with Etruscan inscriptions, as well as two rare vessels inscribed with the Etruscan alphabet.

Much of Etruscan technology and architecture, such as their elaborate temples and public buildings, sophisticated hydraulic works, complex city planning, and engineering projects, was adopted by the Romans. The exhibition ends with a gallery revealing the Etruscans’ influence on ancient Rome and the merging of the two cultures as the Etruscans were integrated into the Roman state and received Roman citizenship.

The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy is organized by Renée Dreyfus, the Fine Arts Museums’ George and Judy Marcus Distinguished Curator and Curator in Charge of Ancient Art. The Etruscans opens at the Legion of Honor on May 2 and runs through September 20, 2026. After its presentation at the Legion of Honor, the exhibition will be on display in San Antonio, Texas, at the San Antonio Museum of Art, October 31, 2026, through March 14, 2027.