Basel Museum of Ancient Art and Ludwig Collection, Basel

The Basel Museum of Ancient Art and Ludwig Collection is a remarkable institution in Basel, recognized as a heritage site of national significance. Founded in 1961 to unify the city’s scattered antiquities, the museum showcases a vast range of artifacts from ancient civilizations, spanning from 4000 BC to 400 AD. It resides within two architecturally significant buildings, both designed by Melchior Berri in the early 19th century. Originally, only the building constructed for merchant Isaac Iselin-Roulet was used, while the second building, designed for Johann Jakob Bachofen-Merian, was integrated into the museum in 1986, culminating in a total exhibition space of 3000 square meters by 1992.

The museum’s extensive collection is the only one of its kind in Switzerland, focusing on Mediterranean cultures, particularly those of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Italy, along with artifacts from the Near East and Cyprus. The Greek vases, Egyptian relics, and other artifacts offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and life of early civilizations. The Sculpture Hall, located near Basel University, complements the museum with its impressive array of over 2,200 plaster casts of ancient sculptures, ranging from the Archaic to the Late Roman period, making it one of the most distinguished collections of its type globally.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum organizes special programs designed to connect past and present, fostering cultural dialogue with its visitors.