First Royals of Europe

Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, Quebec

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First Royals of Europe

Discover the Origins of Power and Inequity in Southeastern Europe

This exhibition at the Canadian Museum of History explores a period spanning 6,500 years – from the Neolithic Age to the end of the Iron Age, a time when humans started using copper and bronze to make tools and weapons, and silver and gold to craft jewellery. It was also a time when individuals grew their power to rule by amassing wealth, controlling trade, and building armies to become the first royals in southeastern Europe. It was a world of hierarchy, oppression, and inequity – a world that we inherited and that continues to shape our lives. Originally developed by the Field Museum in Chicago, this exhibition was adapted by the Museum of Canadian History for presentation in the National Capital Region. More than 700 rare and unique objects are on loan from 26 institutions. Entro collaborated with the Canadian Museum History’s exhibit design team to help realize their vision for First Royals of Europe.
  • Client

    Canadian Museum of History

  • Location

    Gatineau, Quebec

  • Sector

    Cultural

  • Discipline

    Exhibit Design, Experiential Graphics

  • Illustrator

    Mark Scheibmayr

  • Photography

    Entro and Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History envisioned an atmospheric exhibition that engages visitors through sight, sound, touch, and activities. Entro developed the graphics for the exhibition, including evocative projections of metal work patterns. We also collaborated with illustrator Mark Scheibmayr on the large-scale character illustrations.

Canadian Museum of History First Royals of Europe exhibit featuring exhibit case containing model of a settlement and corresponding information panel with copy and a map designed by Entro.
Canadian Museum of History First Royals of Europe exhibit featuring large-scale wall illustration of a sword-wielding warrior on a horse.
"First Royals of Europe is an exceptional opportunity to see a large and unique collection of rare and beautiful objects from southeastern Europe, all under the same roof. We hope that visitors come away from this exhibition with an understanding that questions of power — who has it, who doesn't, and why — were as relevant in the past as they are today.”

– Caroline Dromaguet, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum of History

Canadian Museum of History First Royals of Europe exhibition area featuring an illustration, display casings and projections.

Visit the First Royals of Europe Special Exhibition until January 19, 2025

Learn more here.

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