Past exhibitions

A glimpse into Afghanistan’s ancient culture and those who risked all to protect it.

Feared lost forever, the artefacts in this exhibition were hidden by museum staff in Kabul, safe from bombs, looters and a Taliban decree to destroy all ‘idolatrous’ images.

Spanning 2200BCE to 200CE, these priceless treasures from important archaeological sites at the heart of the Silk Road have now been seen by over 1.7 million people in major museums worldwide, including the British Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Read more and view slideshow

Immersive online story

Hear Afghan and Australian voices talking about the importance of keeping culture alive under sometimes very difficult circumstances in Journey of the treasures.

Image details: One of a pair of boot buckles with an image of a carriage drawn by dragons, one of a pair of pendants showing the 'Dragon Master’; crown; a pair of clasps, cupids on dolphins; standing ram; Tillya Tepe, 1st century CE. Ceremonial plate with a representation of Cybele; Ai Khanum, 3rd century BCE. Male or female head; Ai Khanum, 2nd century BCE. National Museum of Afghanistan. Credit: Thierry Ollivier