What can we learn about history from the movies and television? How much of their cinematographic splendor is based on fact and how much is embellished make-believe? The new summer exhibition Fact or Fiction? Stuart Critiques Hollywood features historical personalities who have become the focus of the moving pictures, including Marie Antoinette, Henry VIII, the Borgia family and China’s Last Emperor Pu-Yi. It opens Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

In his accompanying monologues, artist George Stuart will critique Hollywood’s attempts to portray history and share how he avoids the pitfalls of historical inaccuracy when creating his one-quarter life-size Historical Figures®. Known for his theatrical energy and irreverent humor, Stuart will lend commentary to movie classics The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933), Marie Antoinette (1938), more recent productions like Bernando Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987) and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006), as well as prime time television series The Tudors (2007-10) and The Borgias (2011).

Part I, focusing on Henry VIII and the Borgia family, will be held in the Museum’s Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Event Pavilion on Tuesday, June 25, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) as well as on Wednesday, June 26, 2 - 4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). Part II, focusing on Marie Antoinette and the Xuantong Emperor, will be held on Tuesday, August 13, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) as well as on Wednesday, August 14, 2 - 4 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). Admission to the monologues is $15 for the general public and $10 for museum members, and includes light refreshments during intermission. For reservations call (805) 653-0323 (x 7).

Stuart’s Historical Figures® have gained recognition for their exquisite detail and historical accuracy. The Museum of Ventura County presents rotating exhibits of more than 200 George Stuart Historical Figures® in their permanent collection.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For more museum information visit us at www.venturamuseum.org or call (805) 653-0323.