The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia

This looks like it is going to be another great exhibition. I look foward to it.

Can't wait for this one. Another great exhibition to look forward to.

Ooh!! Only just recovering from the fabulosity of Tutankhamun - this will be spectacular too, I've no doubt!

We were so terribly disappointed with the Tut display. It was a huge deal for us to come and bring all the children, and we had done alot of reading up and preparation before we visited. So little of what was shown actually came from Tut's tomb. It would have been better entitled : Treasures of the Pyramids. The artifacts were stunning but title of the display was very misleading, and the cost was very steep, for what it was. I was also disgusted at the ues of Ticketek and the extra they charge for the privilege of printing my own tickets. Come on Museum Vic - if you want members, treat us with some respect, please.

I would have to agree with Rose. I thought the King Tut exhibition was misleading and disappointing...I enjoyed the information given by the museum outside the exhibition more.

The Tut exhibition was nothing short of a fantastic miracle!! Imagine watching so closely such glorious artifacts and displays in the vicinity of your own backyard. Well done; you guys do a great job. As for the Wingers, surely they have not left our shores before and travelled to third world countries to veiw what you had to offer here in Melbourne. The hard work and the logistics behind it is much appreciated. We are truly a lucky country!

Will be great if it's even half as good as the Tut display. Only bad thing is that these great displays end up in Melbourne and not Sydney. Still, easier to travel to Melbourne than Egypt, so can't complain. As for complaining, I can only assume those who weren't satisfied with Tut are not that into Ancient Egypt and would have been better off at the Queen Victoria markets looking for cheap trinkets to adorn their Balinese huts.

The Sumerian gods have spoken! All roads lead to Melbourne. Every man, woman and child in Australia should see the 'Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia' exhibition.

Tuts was vey disapointing -

I can't wait to see the 'Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia'. I thoroughly enjoyed the King Tut exhibition as well as the Titanic one the year before. Such a lot of hard work went into them. Anyway, I now have an excuse to come down to Melbourne for a couple of days.

Have thouroghly enjoyed the TITANIC and King Tut exhibitions and looking forward to The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia. Thanks to the Melbourne Museum for bringing these exhibitions to Melbourne.

We loved both Titanic & Tut exhibitions. It is a another reason to come down to Melbourne yet again !!!!!!!! Roll on May ... I also celebrate my 50th Birthday that weekend.... :O)

Finally a little recognition to the Ancient Assyrians, this should be great and I'm looking forward to it!

A trip to melbourne is now a must, looking forward to this amazing exhibition. And @ Zaia, yes it's a very well overdue.

What a wonderful experience I have had with Titanic and Tut. The era that these artefacts were used in, makes our lives much more appreciable. Looking forward to another Melbourne holiday.

I thought that the King Tut exhibition was good. The dispay of information at two levels was a good idea. However, I thought that the entry price was a bit high and I was disappointed that the concession price did not apply to Senior Card holders. I agree with others about the rip-off by Ticketek for the privilege of printing a ticket on my own printer

Having seen the Cairo Museum late last year, I thought the Tut display was well done. And for all you whingers there WERE priceless and special artefacts from Tut's tomb. He wasn't the only pharaoh and a minor one at that. The other stuff that came with the exhibition was lovely too. Be grateful you got to see it. Don't like your chances of a peaceful visit to Egypt any time soon.

Thanks to MuseumVictoria for presenting two great exhibitions in Titanic and Tut - looking forward to the next one. Great that you've taken consideration of the feedback and will improve the process and price.

I'm really excited about the Mesopotamia exhibition and really hope it will include some Pazuzu statues or related artefacts.

As an Assyrian, I can't wait to see my heritage and the treasurers from the land of my forefathers. I still remember the excitement from the last time that Melbourne welcomed the exhibition of ancient Assyria. I hope this time the exhibition could off a wider range of the treasure in which Assyria has to offer. I hope this could be a reminder to Australians and the rest of the world that Assyrians to date live in Mesopotamia (Bet -Nahrain) or the land between the two rivers, but unfortunately suffer from prosecution and genocides. Hope to witness everlasting peace in that corner of the world.

I have to agree with Chris. I was in Egypt late last year too. The Cairo Museum is massive beyond belief. Melbourne Museum's King Tut exhibition provided an excellent and encompassing experience that gave visitors a summary of what you'd see in Cairo. Plus, the Melbourne experience gave visitors an environment which was not overcrowded by thousands of pushy visitors. I agree with the point about King Tut too. The only reason why he is so famous is because he was very young and died of suspicious circumstances. If you really want to experience Ancient Egypt, you need to look beyond King Tut's tomb. Get an education on King Ramses II or Queen Hatshepsut who announced herself as a Pharaoh after her husband died (becoming the first female Pharoah). The exhibition in Melbourne was marketed with the angle of King Tut because that's the Pharoah many people in the Western world want to focus on. If you want the complete King Tut experience, then you really need to go to Egypt, go and see all of his treasures in the Cairo Museum then travel via overnight train to his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. If you're relying on one exhibition to give you the full King Tut experience then you're going about it the wrong way unfortunately. On a brighter note, I can't wait for The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia!

I have been to the last 3 exhibitions in a row (and a couple beforehand)and I believe they get better and better. Thank you for bringing these treasures to our shores, they certainly fuel the travel bug in me and I appreciate the effort of all staff involved. I saw Tut 3 times with various visitors coming to stay over from interstate. I am happy that feedback has returned the ticketting function to the Museum and costs will be more reasonable. I look forward to next May and the new exhibition.

Yet another reason why Melbourne has it over Sydney. Looking forward to it!

This is amazing. As an Assyrian Australia i am excited to see the work and life of my ancestors here in Australia. Thank you Museum Australia, thank you, thank you, thank you. Cant wait!

YES! Assyrian exhibition, we brought the world into the light. Its good to finally be recognised. As a Assyrian Australian i will prob never see my parents home land Iraq (Assyria) so thank you Australian Museum. Please lets not forgett the current Assyrians loosing their lives in Iraq, for being Christians. Merry christmas to all god bless.

Great to see so many good things about Tut, I have to agree! Though also sad to see so many negative comments about Tut... if you research like most people do you will actually see what the exhibition was about. Museum did a great job of hosting the exhibition though they were only the ones renting out the space, with AEI and IMG the ones who actually toured the exhibition. It is hard to please everyone so the exhibition was quite general to suit many different audiences. It was a great achievement for Melbourne to have these artifacts and many years hard work to make it happen. I doubt we will see another exhibition like it. I look forward to Mesopotamia, though it will have a very different vibe from Tut as it is Museum run this time.

Saw both Titanic and Tut, and greatly enjoyed both. Although I did encounter a few negatives with each exhibition, they were mainly a result of the enormous numbers of visitors that had to be catered for. Given the huge popularity of the events, I think MV did a pretty good job, and the quality of the objects on display was fantastic. I'm really looking forward to seeing the new exhibition!

I have enjoyed previous exhibitions although the Ancient Egyptian lacked in information. There appeared to be just rooms with antiquities then another room of antiquities. It would have been great if more information was given to link Ancient Egypt to contemporary times i.e. Akhenaten being the first in ancient history to establish a monotheistic religion which predates Zoroastrianism and Judaism. I hope that the Mesopotamia exhibition emphasizes the importance of Mesopotamian culture which extends to modern day such as agriculture, language, cities, religion, and government, mathematics, writing, literature, architecture, warfare, empire and astrology!

As I retired in 2007 I have had the pleasure of seeing all three of the temporary overseas exhibitions. However I am surprised that Pompeii hasn’t been mentioned in recent correspondence, as to my mind it was a stunning event and the standout of the three, though I certainly enjoyed them all and look forward to Mesopotamia. I also took the opportunity last October to do the Royal Exhibition Building tour. Don’t think I’d been inside it since I sat matriculation exams way back in 1959 and I don’t recall taking too much notice of the surroundings on those occasions! Quite the best value $5.00 I’ve spent in a long time. What a magnificent building it is and thank God it’s World Heritage Listed.

After seeing all the fabulous past exhibitions, I'm very excited for this one! Melbourne Museum should be commended for bringing such amazing exhibitions! Pompeii, Titanic, Tutankhamen and now Mesopotamia! Thank you!

Thanks to Mr Layard for shipping all he could find to England in 1800s for us to see now, what he couldn't take or couldn't find at the time,is being damaged by the local new inhabitants. Will enjoy it, thank you Melbourne Museum.

I have been to the British Museum and loved seeing the Ancient Assyrian Artifacts. I cant wait to attend to see the wonderful treasures of Mesopotamia

I am looking forward to this exhibit, although I feel some of the same apprehensions as the so-called "whingers" who were disappointed with the Tut-Ankh-Amun exhibit. I had seen the treasures of Tut-Ankh-Amun in their home in Cairo in 2008. I was nonetheless excited to see them again when they arrived here. I understood the dangers of transporting certain pieces of the collection and did not expect to be as overwhelmed as I was in the Egyptian Museum, but did not expect to be as underwhelmed as I was. The vast majority of the artefacts on display were mediocre and in multiples. In particular, there was no need for the sheer number of shabtis and ankhs (Tut was buried with hundreds of them) and especially not in separate cases or display rooms with the very same descriptions. The pottery and furniture was beautiful, but certainly some of the least spectacular. The only exceptional pieces were the alabaster perfume vessel in the form of a bull, and the larger set of canopic jars. The descriptions (and I comment as someone who studies ancient history) barely offered explanation as to the significance of each item, whether about who it belonged to what it's real purpose was (practical and symbolic). The most precious item on display I felt was the relief of Akhenaten and Nefertiti worshipping Aten, but I was disappointed to see that it also lacked the information that would have made it truly stand out. Many people simply walked past it after a quick glance (heartbreaking). I wish the rest of the exhibition had been as informative as the initial presentation about the discovery of the tomb, and the explanation of the mummification ritual. I'm sure then people would have appreciated what was there much, much more (when I left, there were many people in the makeshift shop outside expressing their disappointment to one another, especially the children and teens). I sincerely hope this coming exhibit will make up for the Tut-Ankh-Amun one. I am pleased to hear that you've taken visitor's feedback into account and I still have a lot of faith in the museum. See you in May.

OMG I am so excited about this exhibition. This aspect of ancient history was my area of study years ago at uni and I can't wait!

I have to agree with some of the nagative comments, however we enjoyed the tut exhibition because we went in with very low expectations knowing how the melbourne museum exhibitions are generally particularly the china terracota soldiers which were incredibly disapointing (everything was faux!!!! why bother then).

Being a descendant of the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians and Babylonians, I am greatly anticipating the arrival of these artifacts as I will have a chance to immerse myself in my culture. I encourage everyone to come along, our history is fascinating to say the least and is well worth the trip.

Really excited for this exhibition, will definitely come down from Sydney to see it. Some amazing history was created in the land between the two rivers, where some of the most astonishing civilizations were birthed. The Sumerians are believed by many scholars to be the cradle of civilization and came up with one of the greatest inventions of all time which is writing, the Assyrians who were well known for their brutal battle tactics and amazing history and discoveries. Then you have my favourite, the Babylonians who built one of the greatest cities in history, including one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Been Chaldean myself, I’m really excited for this exhibition and I'm glad our history is getting displayed around the world and getting some attention, so well done to the organisers.

I can't wait to see these great artifects of my nationality

This exhibition makes me proud to see my ancestors and how they lived, Proud to be a Mesopotamian Assyrian Babylonian!

I am tempted to berate those who are writing such negative comments, particularl regarding the Tut exhibition, however I will resist. What I would like to say is simply.....thankyou. I doubt that will ever be able to see those treasures in their home environment so I really appreciate being able to see them here in my own home town. Looking forward now to the wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia.

Cant wait for this exhibit! Thank you Melb Museum for bringing us something of our Assyrian history. My family and I are Assyrian and there is no way we'd be able to go to the UK to see our country's artefacts and culture on display. Definitely looking forward to it and am telling all my Assyrian friends!!

I agree with Tamara way back in November 2011. The King Tut exhibition, whilst a good display, was disappointing in my mind with only a few items from his tomb out of the thousands of items found there. But, saying that, I thank the Melbourne Museum administration for bringing these exhibitions to Victoria for those people who are not able to travel overseas.

Thanks to Museum Victoria for bringing this exhibition to Melbourne. This is a great opportunity to display the Iraqi rich history, in Iraq there are around 10,000 historical sites across the country, as Mesopotamia is the land between the two rivers. Sumer in the south, Babylon in the centre and Assyria in the north. Theses treasures are for everyone to see and admire the land who gave so many inventions to the world.

Is so excited to be able to bring my children and husband to learn something of my beloved Assyria's history.

I live 2000km away and have seen the last 3 amazing exhibits at the Museum. I will again travel down for the next exhibit. Such a lot of work goes into these exhibits. Can't understand why some people are critical. Well done.

I understand the reasons why some people were disappointed with the Tut exhibit. The only issue was the very big crowd. I guess that is just a part of viewing such a magnificent exhibit. The Titanic was the same, a lot of people, however brilliant. I take my children and they learn a lot about history and about the story of life and death. I am looking forward to the next exhibit.

The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia, Tutankhamun,The Titanic, Pompeii,.. I loved them all.. please keep bringing this type and quality of exhibition to Australia. Such exhibitions are an absolute wonderland to visit and looked forward to for months. Thank you also to the people at the Museum who are choosing these exhibitions as I really appreciate the opportunity to experience these fantastic exhibitions.

We are Sydneysiders and flew down in Oct for King Tut (no aplogies!). We have booked to fly down on the 8th July for the Mesopotamia exhibit. We are staying 3 days. Not 10 minutes ago we received an email saying a "special night" for Members will happen on the 8th!! WOW the Gods are with us!!

I cannot wait to see this, looking forward to see where I came from.

Thanks heavens! Melbourne people putting the exhibition together instead of getting it in off the rack fourth hand from overseas. I'm excited!! This is going to make people tutt about Tut!

Great that you offered half price tickets today...shame if you work in a hospital, you're a teacher....you're on the road all day and have no time to access a computer until after hours! Sold out!

Really looking forward to this. Disappointed that Sydney don't have these sorts of exhibitions, however I enjoy travelling to Melbourne to experience these. Keep up the good work.

Loved the Tutankhamun exhibition but have to agree about Ticketek. They are not user friendly and charge a credit card fee when that is the only option offered.

well, i loved the tutankhamun exhibition - it was SUCH a provocative and atmospheric experience - and i'm sure 'the wonders of ancient mesopotamia' will be awesome as well. and for those complaining about cost, try adding a return airfare from wagga wagga to melbourne to your total. from my perspective, it was worth every cent!

I cannot wait to see this exhibition! I live in Sydney and travelled all the way to Melbourne for my 21st birthday, but I really just wanted to see the Tut Exhibition. I thought I would never go to another exhibition after Sydney Art Gallery's "Terracotta Warrior" exhibition. I was blown away by the whole Tut experience and hope that The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia will be just as great!

Have loved all the exhibitions, Pompeii, Titanic, Tut, Great Wall etc and my only feedback is from my 7 yr old son who loves History and science, could you have a little workbook or something like the treasure hunt and childrens room at the Great Wall of China exhibition. Make it easier for the younger visitors to understand what the importance of each exhibition and how it relates to the 21st century. Only wish History was a part of our Govt School curriculum!! My feedback is if we can't take photo's please make sure there are postcards of some of the exhibition to be used in our SCRAPBOOKS!!

Hi all, i am chaldean and have never seen this befor,WOW finaly i will have the chance to see what i read about, WOW WOW im so huppy.

Brilliant! I am so very excited to see this exhibition come to Australia. I have been blessed to have already visited the British Museum but I'm so thrilled to get to share this experience with all my Assyrian friends and family here. Great work!

i got to see my GODS thank you for bringing them down to melbourne museum

This is great!! well done Melbourne Museum, good opportunity for me as a Chaldean from Mesopotamia who still speaks at home the old language that was spoken by the people of Mesopotamia, to explore the history of my ancestors, much appreciated.

Excellent, another fantastic exhibition to look forward to. I've thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the last exhibitions: Pompeii, Titanic, King Tut. The information is so comprehensive and I always come away with a much better understanding of some part of the world and/or history as well as a thirst to learn more!

I'm looking forward to taking my son to this exhibition. We enjoyed the Titanic and Tutankhamun exhibitions, however I will not choose the 4.30pm time slot again (or the last one of the day) because I found that we felt rushed through the last part of the Tutankhamun exhibition where all his burial artefacts were and BEFORE 6pm closing (around 5.45pm) staff were already cleaning the cases that we were trying to look into. I didn't appreciate that.

I hope there is a museum catalog of the exhibition for sale, i would order it now.

I'm kinda floored that people would be complaining about the King Tut exhibition. I come from Sydney and now the Gold Coast. You are so spoilt in Melbourne to get the quality of and quanity of exhibitions you get. It cr*ps all over everywhere else in Australia. The King Tut exhibition in my view was awesome, so well designed to minimise crowding and maximise the information available and a really good overview of Egyption history and some amazing artifacts. I don't really care if they were King Tut's or not, it was all incredible!!! Thanks. Bring on Mesopotamia! I'm having a cultural tour, Biennale 2012 in Sydney, then Mesopotamia followed by MONA in Hobart! Can't wait!!!

Looking forward to a Great History Told

Coming over from Adelaide to see this exhibition - I only hope we are treated with a tad more respect and NOT herded like cattle like we were at the King Tut exhibition!!

I've been to the British Museum and one of my favourite parts was the gallery with all of the Mesopotamian items - they are amazing and so beautiful!!! Will definitely be coming to see this one :)

Thank You for Melbourne museum for the great Ancient Wonders that are coming alive, It's an exhibition that shows the history part of Assyria

This is fantastic! A great part of human history has finally been acknowledged and appreciated. I can't wait. Thanks Melbourne Museum associates.

Well I am traveling from Perth to see this exhib so I hope it will include the wonderful relief of Innana Goddess of the Night. Not to even mention some clay tablets.. thank you Museum Vic.

HOPE Anu and enki get a look in.

Attended the preview last night and was delighted by this fascinating insight into the civilisation of Ancient Mesopotamia and awed by how much direct influence this culture has had upon so many branches of modern day life and living. Art, science, literature, the law and government all demonstrate direct links to this civilisation today. However, what took my breath away was the exquisite detail of the huge stone relief carvings from ninth century Assyria. Whilst glorifying war and the victories of the Assyrians and the fearlessness of the king, nonetheless the minute details of pattern, texture and the overall design are truly magnificent. Talented museum staff have brought these carvings wonderfully to life by taking some scenes and animating them, the coloured figures leaping off large adjacent video screens and into our imaginations with such verve and clarity. Most impressive. Thank you. Heather Heraud

I attended the preview of The Wonders of Mesopotamia last night - fantastic. The objects are accessible, keys into the many stories being told. Different to last year's Tut exhibition, Mesopotamia really offers an insight through the layers of information. There are some very family friendly features too, I think there's something here for everyone. I was very impressed and enjoyed it very much.

I attended the teacher preview of the Mesopotamia exhibition last night. It was absolutely fantastic. As well as a magnificent collection of artifacts I loved the use of technology and lighting, particularly the way the wall rock carvings were brought of life, plus the sheer variety in the way information was shared - really liked getting short video snippets from the British Museum director. It's all thoughfully and beautifully displayed. Don't miss it!!

I attended the official launch of the Mesopotamia exhibition tonight. As a visitor to the Tutankhamun exhibition last year I can say that this new exhibition delivers in spades and just goes to show the difference between a pre-packaged travelling exhibition and a well-researched and custom-built one. The work that the team at the Museum has put in is extraordinary at so many levels: the design, the presentation, the most excellent audio (and visual/textual) commentary, the information for kids, and oh! The battle scene and the ability to scroll and expand elements of the frieze, is just brilliant. Very satisfying and highly recommended.

I absolutely loved the King Tut / Egyptian exhibition which I saw last year on my birthday. I thought it was actually great to have such a range of amazing treasures and artefacts and not all from Tut's tomb. It gave me a great experience to remember when I soon after discovered I have cancer. Certainly looking forward to the Mesopotamia exhibition and hopefully many more in years to come! Well done to all those involved in the last exhibition.

Visited both the Tut and Titanic exhibitions. Both excellent. Rather than others commenting on the few items of Tut, I was actually rather surprised at the number and quality of those that were included from his tomb. The exhibition was all the better for including a wide variety of items that were discovered in other tombs and were Tut's relatives. My sister and I leisurely viewed everything, no crowds at the time of our visit, enabling us to get very close to all the display cabinets. The pieces on show were well presented and quite varied, a good selection to provide an overview of personal, secular and religious items. Enough items to observe and read about without getting a brain overload. Only negative comment from the King Tut exhibit was the high cost of the souvenir book ($65), and the rather 'tacky' souvenir items which were rather disappointing (we left without buying anything). Really looking forward to the Mesopotamia exhibition - WELL DONE Melbourne Museum for putting on such fantastic displays - well worth the effort to travel to Melbourne from Tasmania.

Yes! Loved both the Titanic and Tutankhamen Exhibitions. And have been looking forward to this one since I heard about it. Can't wait!

I am so looking forward to this one. I have been the British Museum and the collections there are truly magnificent. Not everybody has that opportunity, so this will be great for the locals. I'll be travelling to my home town of Melbourne from Sydney and will be sure to catch this exhibit.

Unfortunately I missed the Pompeii and Titanic exhibits but thoroughly enjoyed the Egyptian exhibit. I can't believe how negative some people can be regarding something that takes a phenomenal amount of organising and involves such delicate artifacts. I would never be able to get to Egypt to see them and found the exhibit fascinating. I will definitely be attending the Mesopotamia exhibit at least once.

At the time we visited, 10am today, most people only spent an hour or so in this exhibition. While it was interesting, it was far from an "amazing' exhibition, and I am sure the BM has a far more exciting collection of Mesopatanian items it could have sent to Australia. Too many examples of the same thing, notabely the impression and roller seals, as beautiful as they may be. In the Nebuchanezzar section, one exhibit is described as having the inscription "Nebuchanezzar....B.C. This would have been impossible, as at that time, there was no B.C. or A.D.

went to the opening and could not believe what a fantastic exhibition it was - a real eye opener! Colourful and fascinating; a multimedia and sensory feast for the sense, mind and spirit! I saw the curator from the British Museum being interviewed for a podcast. Is there somewhere we can hear it?

We always proud in our ancient history and I am happy to show it to all people especially to whom try to destroy it, thank you Australia & God pless you

Why are people saying they are disappointed with the Tut exhib? It was so thrilling I doubt another exhib in Australia would ever match it.

Looking forward to this Exhibition. Any and all things that get children discussing history and thinking about how things were done in different cultures and times is brilliant. While agreeing that the Tut exhibit was misleading in its title I was still blown away with the artifacts and the beauty of the craftmanship of the time. It was too dark, very crowded and a little confusing inside but it still stimulated a lot of discussion, research and ideas so I found it a great tool for education. There seems to be a lot of faith in the British Museum's association with this one, so will be looking forward to seeing this one.

This will be better than the Tut exhibition - i found that exhibition quite boring but thats because mostly the history presented is the blandest type of social history from an outsiders non-esoteric perspective and Tutankhamun is overblown in importance With ancient mesopotamia it will be hard to avoid its rich mythology and sublime artworks as cultures like the Sumerians sits ethereally and mysteriously teetering at the edge of our modern myths of material civilisation that we take for granted

I'm can't wait to see what my for-fathers had done, this really is exciting. From a Chaldean/Assyrian living in Melbourne...

I am looking forward to the Mesopotamia exhibition. I have attended Pompeii, Titanic and Tutankhamun and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. To the people complaining about the Tut exhibit and saying that there wasn't much from his tomb. They cannot bring too many items from one particular exhibit from the Cairo museum as people who then go to Cairo don't get to see certain items (as happened to us). Some of the items are quite large and very delicate so it would be a risk to move them, therefore it is the smaller and perhaps more solid items that can be used in these exhibits. I went to the Tut exhibit a couple of times and with different people (including my grandchildren). For them it was a chance to see items that they had never thought to see, and they were not disappointed. My grandchildren, especially the boys loved seeing his dagger and crowns etc that were in the last room. My oldest grandson was 9 when we took him and when he realised that Tut was the same age as himself when he became Pharaoh it made the exhibition even more interesting. Keep up the good work Melb Museum!!!

Assyrians! the most powerful empire in ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA... CAN'T WAIT TO SEE my ancestor's original inscriptions carved by their hands, its incredible to believe. very proud to be routed from such a great ancient people and culture

The Titanic exhibition was remarkable! you know, besides having the actual ship... great job on that one! Great reconstructions, stories and facts. Keen on attending the Mesopotamia one.

What a wonderful exhibition! I have been to see it today and enjoyed it so much I went around it twice. I am already planning to return with my 11 year old sons as I'm sure they will enjoy it too. I won't take my 8 year old however as there is a lot of information to digest and I don't think it will hold his attention for long. We have lived here since 2008 and have been to every winter exhibition so far. the children loved Pompeii and Titanic but were very disappointed with Tut for the reasons already talked about. I have since heard how many restrictions were imposed on the museum re layout, crowd numbers and display and I understand why Tut had a very different vibe to other events. Mesopotamia is a must and a welcome return to form. Excellent!!

I am very surprised by the negative comments regarding the Tutunkahmun exhibition. The governance of Egyptian antiquities is very strictly governed, and the fact that any artefacts were released AT ALL is a miracle in itself. Very much looking forward to the Mesopotamia exhibition.

I would pay for one hundred tickets to this just to see it again yay!

Just seen the exhibition Mesopotamia.... Fantastic. It brings to life the ancient civilisations, the artifacts are great, the audible tour guide was very informative with a large amount of input from sarah Collins. My kids aged 11 and 14 thought it was great. As good as the other exhibitions easily!!! Well done again Melbourne Museum for another awesome day out.

Have just seen the Exhibit and I have to say it was AMAZING!!! I had no idea we had so much in our day to day lives that originated in Mesopotamia, writing, libraries, standardised weights and even floaties!! This was a magnificent exhibit, I particularly loved the way some of the reliefs were animated to show the whole story. In my opinion this was 100% above the quality and presentation of the King Tut exhibit. A truely enjoyable experience. Thank You for bringing it to our shores!!

Hi, is this exhibition likely to be crowded? Should I wait until June or July for the crowd numbers to die down?

We went to see the Mesopotamia exhibition and were really impressed with the extensive range of amazing artifacts, the stories of how they were recovered and transported to the British Musuem. The method that Musuem Vic has displayed them provided us with the best effect and detail. I met an Assyrian woman viewing the exhibition with pride and wonder. Well done indeed!

Hi Queen Hattie, I liked the Tut exhibition, but I also have similar feelings as others that have posted here. I am replying to your comment because I think you are completely wrong when you said "I can only assume those who weren't satisfied with Tut are not that into Ancient Egypt" I have loved everything about Ancient Egypt all my life, so much so that I hope my passion will result in my becoming an archaeologist one day. Your statement is just insulting to the intelligence of those that were 'complaining' as you put it. As I already wrote I did enjoy that exhibition, however I believe it was misleading in many aspects and somewhat disappointing because of that. TO OTHER POSTERS → As for anyone thinking that those that were disappointed with the Tut exhibition have little to no respect for what it took to put it together, I believe you are mistaken. I personally understand what it takes to put together an exhibition, granted the ones I help with are art exhibitions of about 50 exhibitors (3D art, not wall paintings), but I'm pretty sure I can imagine how difficult one on this scale would be. Given all that, I hope to find the time to get along to The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia exhibition. The difference this time will be that I won't get excited about any promotions for the exhibition and I will factor in looking around the other areas of the museum or the city.

I can hardly wait to see this exhibition. As for King Tut, Pompei etc were absolutely wonderful. I read these histories but seeing artifacts etc, gives you more of the reality of the past. Good on you

I loved King Tutankhamun and the golden age of rhe pharaohs exhibit it was a dream come for me seeing this once in a life time exhibiton. I saw the exhibition twice because seeing it once was not enough. Im disappointed to see all the negative comment about it. I throught the melbourne museum did an amazing job with the exhibition and it was not misleading in anyway people didnt read about it enough before going but still I dont understand how any could be disappointed. I cant wait to see this exhibit it looks amazing and nothing Ive ever seen before. I do plan on taking my mum and sister to melbourne to see this exhibiton. Ive seen nearly all the exhibitions the museum has held the museum bring the amazing exhibts to Australia Im never disappointed. keep the fantastic work:)

I can't believe all the whingers complaining on this forum. 'it was a great effort to bring the kids and I was disappointed 'etc etc.. Be thankful the British museum is bothering to visit Melbourne as there are hundreds of places that miss out of this experience. Oh and if you're still unsatisfied with the collection you can always fly out to London or the Pergamum museum in Berlin to view the extended collections.

I'm excited to see this exhibition during my stay in Melbourne. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how much time I should put aside to view the exhibition? I like to take my time and see everything thoroughly. Thanks!

Went to See this exhibition last week. I loved it, Taught me a lot about my history as i am Assyrian, some of which i already knew but a lot that i didn't. It was great to see all the artifacts and the details that were in them, It was amazing to walk through and be proud to be Assyrian, it was great that we could take our time and read everything and get to take it all in. Thank you Melbourne Museum and The British museum, i really enjoyed myself.

I went to see this wonderful exhibition on the Queen's birthday public holiday. I was impressed with the layout, the quality and quantity of the exhibition. The other mediums used - visual and audio really brought it all to life - eg the animated reliefs, which were EXCELLENT! We had allowed an hour and a half to see the exhibit but found it was just over two hours when we came out. I would highly recommend seeing this exhibition and congratulate all involved in putting it together. Very educational. The book is definitely worth the $20 too!

The exhibition was excellent, but avoided controversy, where were the sacred prostitutes of Ishtar? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar That might have spiced things up a bit. Also the epic of Gilgamesh is clearly the original text of the story of Noah, but you just can't offend so better leave that out. And no mention of the campaigns against Israel by Assyria and the captivity in Babylon? The multimedia presentations were excellent however.

The cost of entry to what promises to be a wonderful exhibit is prohibitive. Entry to The British Museum is free of charge--as well it should be. Importing an exhibit can't be cheap, but the cost to experience and learn shouldn't be such that it prevents large numbers of people from attending.

The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia is awesome. I'd recommend everyone to check it out while it's here.

it woz really bad i hated it. i loved the king tut one but this one was boring. nothing to do but look. You really should pick up your game. make it a little bit more interactive and interesting.

I've not seen the Exhibit as yet but hoping to do so within a week or two - perhaps during the week when I have time to stop and analyze everything and take some pictures without being knocked over in the crowd lol....Some advice for those coming to see this Exhibit - do some research online or in libraries beforehand and have some prior knowledge of what it actually is you're going to visit! Research the Sumerian & Babylonian Pantheon of gods so that you can make a link between what you've researched and what you're seeing at the Exhibit: ie, characters such as ANU, ENLIL, ENKI & NINHURSAGA - those four deities are EXTREMELY important in Sumerian Culture and if you make the connections closely enough you can see how those four deities have influenced the stories we see in the Old Testament and especially the Tora (Books of Moses from Genesis through to Deuteronomy)...Do some research and the Exhibit will enlighten you further...I can't wait to get in to see it!! :-)

Fantastic exhibition! A wonderful way to spend an afternoon; beautifully displayed, well explained and not too much information- some exhibits can overwhelm but this was just right- loved the reliefs that 'came to life'. Thank you.

Scant display, not overly convincing, and rather contrived. Worst expedition I have ever had the misfortune of viewing. The Ipod audio guide was tragic.

i looked at this in my year 7 history class so im looking forward to see this

i can twait to see this!

We are going to see this tomorrow.. cant wait.. phew..

It's truly fantastic. I've spent two hours there and haven''t even noticed that. Much, much better than King Tut's exhibition really.

The Tut display had some real winners... the heiroglyphic wall info panels, well done! The presence of Yuya and Tjuya was exciting, I guess part of the famous family, and the Tut artifacts were completely stunning. The alabaser canopic urn from Tomb 55 could have been much better labelled. It was really worth visiting by itself, given its story.

I took 50 people to King Tut and only bad thing was maybe not enough time by one person. Rules on buying were tricky a bit. As for display it brought memories of ROM Toronto. I think books were excellent and perhaps Tut has a place in our hearts. Someone a guard said there a three or so other travelling exhibits of Tut. Perhaps the long technical comments were true yet there are many aspects of a culture. Maybe there should be a retrospective or follow up on Tut and what's in Egypt with free follow up talks? Sumerian one looks OK and time to look around too with another group. Not sure about where it fits with Chistians' history but will see. Tut had different view but intriguing one on God(s) a bit varying from his Father.

I really enjoyed the Mesopotamia exhibit. I have gone twice in two weeks now. I found it incredibly moving (It mades me wish I had never given up my dreams of becoming an archaeologist). I was very sad that there was nothing for sale that showed "a lioness and lion in a garden" scene. That was my favorite. I have noticed that there are a number of pieces that show grapes growing in a particular tree. Does anyone know what that tree is? (It is different to the "palm" trees, which are also commonly shown). I can recognise all the other plants in the garden scene with the lions except that one. It is driving me mad trying to find out. Also, I think that immitation seals would have been a major money maker that was missed out on by the shop.

I went today and seen the breath taking artifacts of my fourfathers, it really brought tears to my eyes. I am an Assyrian and have never in my life been able to see any of my ancestors great work up close and personal, though I am an archaeology and ancient history addict.The only disappointment for me was that there was no permission to take picture for anything in the exhibition even with the falsh and the sound off we were not allowed which is very disappointing.I have dreamed all my life to be able to see artifacts of my ancestor's magical work and inventions, and not to be able to have a video to hold on to that amazing experience and go back and watch it is very heartbreaking.

I am a huge fan of Ancient Egypt and went to the Tut exhibit - I have seen it at the Museum in Cairo and will admit to being slightly disappointed but only that we didn't get one of the "big ticket" items. I understand the logistics of transporting something like that over here but it would have been nice. Happy to hear you're doing your own ticketing and really excited to see the Mesopotamia exhibit!! Keep up the great work MV

i am very much look forward to this exebithion i'm 11and i've already been to 1.King Tut exe the title was misleading it didn't have anything to with the exebithion. 2.Harry Potter exe it was amazing.i love history it's inspiring me to become a historian when i'm older.i will be going to this exe and anicent rome also to the napolean.money to lose but exeperieces to win.

I was taken aback that I couldn't see this on a friday night. I am surprised that the exhibition is open on a thursday night and not a friday night.

i came down from Brisbane and this certainly has been a highlight of my visit to Melbourne (didn't come for the weather) I didn't bother with Egypt -saw it years ago -disappointed. This display was very well worth seeing.

I took my family to see the Mesopotamia exhibit last night. We had recently studied this period in our homeschool history. We enjoyed the artifacts on display, particularly the entrance into 'Assyria', the Hammurabi stone, the comic strip lion wall and the model of Babylon. I thought that there was a great over emphasis with the cuneiform and seals. While interesting, one section would have been enough for the kids. I was surprised that there wasn't a bit more variety to look at. I would have liked some kid friendly souvenirs. I think that replicas of the cylindrical seals would have sold well.

I visited the Mesopotamia exhibition in May, from Brisbane, and was so impressed I'll be returning before it finishes, specifically to see it again, despite the considerable costs involved, especially for a retired person of limited means....I have been appalled by the negative, carping, tight-fisted comments by many here...

I recenrly visted the Mesopotamia exhibition. I notice that the stone carvings were lit from almost directly above so that the shadow on the stone would help to highlight the carving. To see it in a more natuaral light would have been nice aswell however.

I went and saw this today with some friends and thought it was the best one yet! I liked the "theme" for the exhibition being what have we got thanks to them. I think some people should remember that exhibitions like this are aimed at a wide audience and usually have a theme which means that they sometimes will omit some information. After all, most people can only take in so much. I spent 3 hours in there and I found it facinating, informative and well done!

Personally, I was very disappointed with the exhibition of Tutankhamen. I felt that although we had access to many amazing artefacts and antiques - that I'm sure had very troublesome aspects of preparation and took a great deal of effort to display - there was barely any actual history to relate it to. The only interesting part for me was the relatively confusing family tree, which was understandably lacking in solid information considering that the Egyptians liked to alter history to suit themselves. We saw room after room of priceless artefacts, such as solid gold coffins for example, but I felt that there was simply nothing to compare with. For all we knew, this could have been in easy access to every Egyptian slave. I think that Melbourne Museum should remember that not all people are historians, although many enjoy history. As a result, I am greatly deterred from visiting the exhibition of Mesopotamia.

I travelled from Perth to see the Tut exhibit - unfortunatley been working too much to see the Mesopotamians. I was quite satisfied with Tut. Of course I wanted more than was there, but I'm not prepared to travel to Egypt so ... I'm happy enough with what I got. I guess it was quite expensive for the ordinary family. My only criticism is that I found the end of the exhibit a bit abrubt - you simply step from the burial chamber exhibits, into the Giftshop bazar. It was a bit of a shock (although it was noisy by the end of our tour). I would have liked another gallery to transition through - something about modern archaeology and the work of the Cairo Museum in presrving these "Wonderful things". Overall though, any museum display is a compromise and you cant please everyone.

I drove over from Adelaide yesterday to see this exhibit before it ends tomorrow. It was even better than I imagined, the artifacts chosen and the way the story was told made the whole exhibit very engaging. I didn't mind the cost and thought it was reasonable. While it may be free to see these artifacts in the British museum they are not presented the same way and with the level of detail. I hope the British museum starts displaying their artifacts more like this at home! I spent some time there in January and found the museum to not be very engaging. Well done to Sarah and the Melbourne Museum.