Universität Zürich. Archäologische Sammlung

The Archaeological Collection is a museum housing original artifacts and plaster casts from ancient Mediterranean civilizations, located in a former eye clinic building on the university campus. The collection spans pieces from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, and Etruria, organized by their regions of origin.

The collection grew over more than 150 years through academic networks, bringing together important pieces from several ancient regions. It developed from the university's connection to archaeological research around the Mediterranean and was systematically expanded to provide broad understanding of ancient cultures.

The collection brings together works from different ancient cultures, allowing visitors to see how artistic styles and craftsmanship varied across Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Mediterranean regions. Side by side displays reveal how different civilizations approached similar themes and techniques in their own ways.

The museum is generally open on most weekdays and extended hours on weekends, with free entry for all visitors. It is worth checking the current opening times before your visit, as these can vary seasonally.

The collection includes numerous plaster casts of Greek and Roman statues whose original works are now scattered across museums worldwide. These casts allow visitors to see complete sculptures that would otherwise only be viewable in fragments or separated across different institutions.