Egyptian Collection

The Egyptian Collection contains approximately 4,000 finds from prehistoric, ancient and early mediaeval Egypt. It is one of Germany's largest and best-stocked collections and contains exhibits that are unique even by international standards. The finds collected in Heidelberg provide a representative cross-section of the almost four millennia of pharaonic history, from early prehistory (late 4th millennium BC) to the time of the Arab conquest of Egypt in the 7th century AD. In addition, a large number of finds date back to the centuries after the Arab conquest - about the time of the Early Middle Ages. The collection of pharaonic objects is supplemented by prehistoric finds from the Early and Mid-Palaeolithic period (approx. 30000 BC) in Egypt as well as a large number of finds from Merimde-Beni Salame, a neolithic site (10000-6000 BC).

The Egyptian Collection contains original objects of artistic and historical value from all epochs. Comprising a unique ensemble of exhibits, it not only illustrates the more than three thousand year old history of Ancient Egypt; it is also of the highest scientific value. Among the pharaonic artefacts of the greatest importance and interest are sculptures, reliefs and architectural parts, mummies, coffins, papyri, ceramics, jewellery and various small finds. Most of these originate from the cult of the dead and thus throw a light on ancient Egyptian ideas about the afterlife. A number of exhibits from excavations made by the collection's founder can be regarded as spectacular: these top-quality temple reliefs belong to the Coptic culture of the early Middle Ages and offer a wide-ranging overview of daily life. These exhibits also include a painted wooden sarcophagus that is still without parallel.

The Egyptian Collection is currently closed due to reconstruction.