Isis-Museum

About the museum

During excavation for the underground parking garage of the later Römerpassage in Mainz’s city center, archaeologists discovered remains of a Roman sanctuary to the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Oriental mother goddess Mater Magna at the end of 1999, as well as a Hallstatt-period grave. Inscription finds show that the cult already existed in the 1st century AD; the site was probably used until the 3rd century. It is the only excavated Isis sanctuary of its kind in Germany.

The finds from the excavations of 1999 to 2001 include dedication inscriptions, offerings, burnt altars, clay and bronze figures, lead curse tablets, and so-called voodoo dolls. The foundations, stones, and artifacts were first stored and, in 2003, rebuilt at the find spot in the presentation room of the Taberna archaeologica.

Visitors can now go down from the first floor of the Passage to the basement and experience the sanctuary in a multimedia staging with a radio play, projections, sound effects, and computer animations. The presentation is run by the initiative Römisches Mainz e. V., which is financed by membership fees and donations.

Highlights

• The only excavated Isis sanctuary of its kind in Germany
• Original foundations, offerings, and dedications
• Lead curse tablets and voodoo dolls
• Multimedia staging with radio play and projections
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Isis- und Mater Magna-Heiligtum – Preserved remains of the Roman sanctuary, with foundations, dedications and offerings, curse tablets, and a multimedia staging.

Operated by

Initiative Römisches Mainz e. V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; operations are financed by membership fees and donations from the Initiative Römisches Mainz. Costs for guided tours on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Barrier-free access to the building and the exhibition; elevators available.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Access is through the first floor of the Römerpassage, via the entrance of the Taberna archaeologica, opposite Thai Express; the sanctuary is in the basement.

Amenities & dining

Restaurants and shops in the Römerpassage shopping center.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Room rental is offered; inquiries via the Taberna archaeologica.

Plan your visit