The Toledo Museum of Art opened “Cursed! The Power of Magic in the Ancient World” on March 21, 2026, an exhibition that examines magical practices across Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome from approximately 2000 BCE to 300 CE. On view through July 5, the show presents about 75 objects drawn from major international collections including the Louvre, the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the J. Paul Getty Museum, and the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels.
The exhibition features carved ivory wands, lead curse tablets, magical papyri, amulets, and gemstones that illuminate how people across the ancient Mediterranean world sought to influence unseen forces governing daily life and death. The presentation was guest curated by Jeffrey Spier, former senior curator of antiquities at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Smithsonian Magazine has also profiled the show, calling it a “spellbinding” look at ancient ritual practice.
A members-only preview was held March 20 at the museum’s Glass Pavilion, followed by a public opening day celebration on March 21 featuring a curator tour and hands-on activities. Exhibition tickets are available through the museum’s ticketing system. The Toledo Museum of Art is located at 2445 Monroe St. in Toledo. Presenting sponsors include Susan and Tom Palmer, with additional support from the Ohio Arts Council.
Source: Toledo Museum of Art