Here you can see the most famous sculptures of Greek and Roman antiquity: the foam-born Aphrodite, the Trojan priest Laocoon wrestling with the snakes, the beautiful Cleopatra, the mighty Augustus. The collection of antiquities comprises around 200 such sculptures in total. However, these are not the originals, but faithful plaster casts, some of which are copies of older works of art. The Collection of Classical Antiquities was established as early as 1806, when the State of Bern ordered the sculptures for drawing lessons. Later, people turned up their noses when these plaster sculptures were mentioned. It was only not so long ago that the appeal of the casts was recognized again. The unique experience of standing face to face with the ancient gods and heroes is further enhanced by the small but fine collection of original antique artifacts, which is located in the immediate vicinity at Mittelstrasse 43. The Bern Collection of Classical Antiquities is used in particular by the Department of Mediterranean Archaeology as a teaching collection for seminars and (student) projects. Using numerous plaster casts of important works from different cultural regions and epochs, students learn how to describe and date works of art and interpret them in their cultural context through direct contact with the objects. The study collection of selected originals also allows them to gain experience with material-based work. The Collection of Classical Antiquities is also very popular as a venue for drawing courses at various Bernese secondary schools and universities and as a venue for changing special exhibitions.
