Once considered one of the greatest military rivals of the Romans, Carthage was a major commercial and cultural center in the Mediterranean long before the rise of Rome. Explore the history and archaeology of this magnificent Tunisian metropolis from its 9th-century BCE Phoenician roots to its 7th-century CE Roman twilight. Discover how these ancient ruins illuminate our understanding of Carthaginian identity, language, religion, and the legendary wars that shook the ancient world.

Explore the concept of beauty not as an individual choice, but as a system of social control and economics. Drawing on the insights of female artists and feminist thinkers, discuss how "beauty" is marketed and mandated. At a time when many long-held feminist gains—both legal and cultural—seem on the brink of being lost, see how representations of the female body are used to challenge status quos and highlight themes of displacement and identity. Look at how the aesthetic standard confines us, and what it takes to break free.

In 1883, Claude Monet settled in the village of Giverny, transforming a simple farmhouse into a living canvas. Explore how Monet’s immersion in his famous gardens sparked a radical evolution in his style, moving from traditional Impressionism toward the boundaries of modern abstraction. 

Florence wasn’t just a city of painters - it was an incubator where banking, political intrigue, and artistic genius collided to ignite the Renaissance. Explore the human stories and bitter rivalries behind Florence’s iconic art and landmarks. From Brunelleschi’s engineering marvel, il Duomo, and the legendary clash between Leonardo and Michelangelo, to the Medici family’s use of art as political propaganda, discover how the intersection of art, science, and engineering changed the way we see the world.

While famous for a few paintings like the Mona Lisa, Leonardo's hundreds of pages of drawings and notes on anatomy, mechanics, and art were the true centers of his creative life. Explore these masterful sketches and writings, which offer a unique approach to understanding the mysteries they hold, giving you a glimpse into Leonardo's extraordinary personality and way of thinking and seeing the world.

The art world is shaped by bold creators who dare to shatter the status quo. From the dawn of the Renaissance to the cutting edge of contemporary art, discover the fascinating "how's" and "why's" behind revolutionary works by artists who refused to play by the rules - including Cimabue, Frida Kahlo, and Yayoi Kusama.

From terrifying warnings whispered by sailors to the iconic green emblem on your morning coffee cup, mermaids have swum through the human imagination for millennia. Trace their evolution from ancient omens of death into powerful symbols of identity, transformation, and our complex relationship with nature. Dive into art, literature, mythology, and song to examine how mermaids are used to explore hidden worlds, magical realism, and the tension between society and the wild.

NEW Artists of all disciplines have long sought and found inspiration in Italy: its diverse landscapes, its varied and culture-rich urban centers, or simply its unsurpassed artistic heritage. In the visual arts alone, J.M.W. Turner, Édouard Manet, El Greco, Gustav Klimt, and Salvador Dali represent a few of the rich constellation of non-Italian artists inspired by Italy over the centuries. Explore their work. Light refreshments provided.