UB Klassische Archäologie

Zurich’s Best-Kept Secret? A Time Machine Hidden in Plain Sight. If you ever wanted to whisper secrets to a Sumerian goddess, lock eyes with a Roman general, or find yourself alone among Greek gods in the middle of the week—Zurich’s Archäologische Sammlung at the University of Zurich might just be the city’s most underrated escape hatch. Tucked inside a rather academic-looking university building and steps away from the Old Botanical Garden, this place feels less like a museum and more like a portal. You walk in expecting a dusty cabinet of curiosities and end up in a cinematic corridor lined with marbles, mythologies, and millennia. Some rooms glow softly like a Wes Anderson set. Others echo like temples. The casts and originals—ranging from Egyptian relics to Greco-Roman deities—feel startlingly alive. One moment you’re giggling at Zeus’ absurd biceps; the next, you’re unexpectedly emotional, staring into the hollow eyes of a kneeling stone man outside, sun-drenched and still, like he’s been waiting for your company for centuries. And the best part? It’s free. It’s quiet. No queues. No gift shop guilt. Just you and a gallery of timeless witnesses. Pro Tips: • Go on a weekday morning for ultimate solitude. • Pair your visit with a croissant and coffee in the Old Botanical Garden right next door. • Bring a friend who asks good questions. Or come alone and ask your own.

Great little collection with free entry. Combined with the zoological museum next door makes a really interesting excursion with the family. The mummy was such an exciting discovery for the kids. Highly recommended.

Amazing collection of original artifacts and many casts too! The cast collection is exceptional. There's a huge collection of Roman sculpture casts and Greek sculpture casts. The only thing was that when I went there, the security person said that photos were not allowed.

Beautiful Gallery, especially the Statues in the Basement. A must visit for everyone interested in Archeology or Antiquity. FYI, Descriptions are in German though but with enough Know-How Names and Dates are the only things you need to know.

Very nice pieces. Some originals, others reconstructed also some fake. Free entrance. No English name tags (only a couple of long descriptions). If you don't speak German, prepare your translate app, if you want to understand things. (except obvious names, locations and years)

Really cool exhibitions and the basement is wild and spooky! Like going back in time.

Worth a visit! Went there with a 6-y-o and were there for 1.5 hour. Exhibit on 3 floors (basement, ground, 1st). On 1st floor, there is also a place to sit and have a snack. Drink vending machine (coffee and cold beverages) available. No photography.

Very interesting and free to check out, don't miss it.