Antikensammlung (Antiquities Collection), Heidelberg

The Antiquities Collection at the University of Heidelberg was established in 1848 as an archaeological teaching collection and has grown steadily to become one of the largest of its kind in Germany. It now holds nearly 9,000 original ancient objects, around 1,200 large plaster casts of ancient statues, portraits, and reliefs, and 14,000 small casts of gems, coins, and similar items. All in all, this collection offers a comprehensive view of the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean from the 3rd millennium BC to the Roman Imperial period.

Among the original artifacts are painted Greek and Etruscan vases, Roman vessels, and various objects made of stone, bronze, glass, and bone—such as figures, reliefs, architectural elements, jewelry, and everyday items from Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and the Near East. Since the 19th century, the plaster casts have been a crucial educational resource in archaeology, enabling the study of the evolution of Greek sculpture from its origins through to the Roman Imperial era. The original statues and reliefs, crafted from marble or bronze, can be found in many prominent museums worldwide.

Editor's Note:
As of May 2024, due to ongoing renovations, access to the collection is restricted and available only by prior arrangement.