Archäologische Sammlung der Universität Zürich

About the museum

Its beginnings go back to 1852, when lecturers at the University of Zurich used the proceeds from public lectures to buy the first plaster casts of ancient statues. From 1856 the pieces were on view in the exhibition building of the Kunstgesellschaft, and from 1865 in the Antikensaal (hall of antiquities) of the newly built Semper building for the Polytechnic and the University. With fixed opening hours and guided tours, a museum operation in the modern sense developed there.

Purchases of ancient originals began in 1870/71 with 58 vases from Italy; later donations and long-term loans followed, including in 1897 objects from Egypt and Western Asia along with Assyrian reliefs from the palaces of Nimrud. In 1914 the collection moved into the university's new main building, and in 1956 into the former eye clinic at Rämistrasse 73. After extensive rebuilding the building was reopened as a museum in 1984.

Today the Archaeological Collection is regarded as the oldest Swiss collection devoted exclusively to the archaeology of the Mediterranean and the Near East. Ancient originals are on show on the ground floor, while the first upper floor and the first basement floor house a large collection of casts of ancient sculptures.

Highlights

• Exekias's belly amphora showing the fall of a four-horse chariot (around 530 BC)
• Egyptian mummy with cartonnage and wooden coffin from Akhmim (3rd century BC)
• Marble figure "Menander of Gerzensee" on long-term loan
• Assyrian reliefs from the royal palaces of Nimrud
• Cast collection with the "Garden of the Gods"

Permanent exhibitions

• Originalsammlung – Three rooms on the ground floor show ancient original works from the collection, complemented by loans; the presentation is repeatedly redesigned.
• Abgusssammlung – Göttergarten – On the first upper floor and the first basement floor, plaster casts of ancient sculptures come together in an impressive "Garden of the Gods".

Founded

1852

Operated by

Universität Zürich, Institut für Archäologie

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

The rooms are equipped for people with reduced mobility, all floors can be reached by lift, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet is on the first basement floor. The wheelchair-accessible entrance is at the back of the building (access from Karl-Schmid-Strasse via a marked gravel path); a suitable parking space is also located there. Further information is available in the ginto app of the OK:GO initiative.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit