MUSEUM OF CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES, UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

This small but attractive museum showcases a surprising collection of artifacts from the classical Mediterranean era: oil lamps, spearheads, bronze bracelets, ossuary lids, scraps of Coptic textiles, amphorae, papyrus, vases — generally from between the fifth century B.C. to the seventh century A.D. Excellent interpretation panels provide helpful historical background. Groupings permit visitors to compare items. For example, artists producing South Italian red vases shared a preference for dramatic scenes. Those creating darker Gnathian vases went for nature, portraying ivy, vines and wreaths. Hours: Weekdays, except holidays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Extra credit: Take advantage of two opportunities to see student art work. Gallery 115 in the Visual Arts Building (100 Laurier Ave. E.) opens late September. But Paradigm, the dean’s art gallery, now showcases student work in a first-floor hallway in the Simard Building (60 University). Getting there: Take OC Transpo to the Laurier transitway station. The museum is on the third floor of the Desmarais Building at 55 Laurier Ave., right beside the southbound bus stop.