Golden Globes Meet Ancient Treasures: A Dazzling Fusion at the Hungarian National Museum

The recent Golden Globe Awards have inspired an unexpected collaboration between Hollywood glamour and historical artifacts. The curators of the Hungarian National Museum’s wildly popular “Shine On! – The Age of Jewelry” exhibition have ingeniously paired celebrities with exquisite pieces from their collection, creating a stunning visual feast that bridges millennia of fashion and craftsmanship.

This unique showcase imagines some of today’s biggest stars adorned with treasures spanning 40,000 years of human history. The pairings offer a fascinating glimpse into how timeless these artifacts truly are, complementing modern red carpet looks with surprising harmony.

Some of the standout combinations include:

• Emma Stone paired with a Saxon jeweled brooch
• Zendaya adorned with a brass commemorative bracelet from 1782, celebrating the coronation of King Francis I
• Angelina Jolie wearing a rock crystal necklace from the 14th-century Brașov treasure
• Timothée Chalamet sporting a gilt silver staff head with a clock mechanism from the late 17th century

The exhibition doesn’t shy away from more unconventional pairings either. Cara Delevingne is matched with a contemporary piece by Flóra Vági from the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design’s pop-up exhibition, while Pamela Anderson is envisioned wearing a 7th-century Avar gold disc fibula.

This creative initiative not only showcases the museum’s impressive collection but also demonstrates the enduring appeal and versatility of these historical pieces. It invites visitors to see these artifacts in a new light, imagining how they might complement modern fashion and personal style.

For those intrigued by this unique blend of past and present, there’s good news. Due to overwhelming popularity, the “Shine On!” exhibition has been extended until mid-April. This gives art enthusiasts, history buffs, and fashion lovers alike more time to explore the museum’s treasure trove, which includes rarities such as the 900-year-old ring of King Coloman and mourning jewelry from the 1848-49 Hungarian Revolution.

The exhibition’s success is evident in its visitor numbers, with over 30,000 people having experienced the display in just three months. It’s a testament to the universal and timeless appeal of jewelry as both art and cultural artifact.

Whether you’re drawn to the glitter of contemporary celebrity or the allure of historical treasures, the “Shine On!” exhibition offers a unique perspective on the role of jewelry in human culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to see these magnificent artifacts for yourself and perhaps imagine which piece you might pair with your own red carpet look.

Image source: The Hungarian National Museum