Wednesday 16 May, 2012

Some of history’s oldest and most priceless artefacts will this weekend be open for regional Victorians to see for the first time.

The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia brings together more than 170 objects from the world-renowned British Museum, and visitors who travel with V/Line can receive a 10% discount on entry at Melbourne Museum.

Museum Victoria Chief Executive Officer Dr Patrick Greene said Mesopotamia played an extraordinary role in the development of human civilisation.

"Mesopotamia played an extraordinary role in the development of human civilisation," he said.

"The art and literature, stone reliefs and ritual objects recovered from the region provide a remarkable record of how great knowledge has been passed from the ancient to the modern world."

The exhibition is an insight into Mesopotamian culture and features giant stone carvings depicting battle scenes and hunting, to ivory and gold jewellery.

Marketing and Stakeholder Relations General Manager Paul Matthews said the Mesopotamia exhibition was just one of several other discounted activities regional Victorians could access on presentation of their V/Line ticket.

"We have worked hard with some of Melbourne’s best tourism operators to get discounts," he said.

"Just some of these include the Eureka Skydeck, Luna Park and the Melbourne Aquarium.

"Mesopotamia is an interesting exhibition and with the V/Line Family Traveller Ticket and discounted entry families will be able to travel in comfort and affordably to see it."

The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia is now open and will run until 7 October at Melbourne Museum.

Tickets are on sale now. V/Line travellers who present their valid train ticket on buying their tickets to the exhibition are eligible for a 10% discount on adult, child and concession entry.