Sunken History at the Museum of World Cultures: Experience Archaeology at the Rhine and Neckar
Date and Time
Location
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
An archaeological journey through millennia
The exhibition Sunken History. Archaeology at the Rhine and Neckar at the Museum of World Cultures of the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums takes you from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages. Extraordinary original finds, elaborate presentations, and interactive stations make regional archaeology accessible as an immediate artistic experience and historical encounter.
HumanTime: In the footsteps of early humans
The tour begins with the development of humans. Reconstructions, exhibits from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic collections, as well as vivid scenes of hunting, gathering, living, and working provide insights into long-gone ways of life. A naturalistically designed rock wall and the encounter between Neanderthals and modern humans create an impressive spatial effect.
Innovation Metal: Technology changes society
The Bronze and Iron Ages are presented as an era of technological change. Settlement and burial finds from the region show how metal processing, long-distance trade, and cultural exchange led to new social structures. Reconstructions of smelting and bloomery furnaces convey the artisanal dimension of these innovations.
A touch of Rome on the Rhine and Neckar
The exhibition section on Roman antiquity highlights the multicultural society between the 1st and 4th centuries. Celts, Germans, Neckar Swabians, and Roman soldiers shaped the region. Restored Roman stones, tombs, and altars make political, religious, and everyday interconnections visible.
Participate, discover, and understand
The curation combines scientific mediation with aesthetic experience. Tactile stations, Braille and profile writing, videos in German Sign Language, a guide in Easy Language, and inclusive audio guide options expand access. Families can discover, among other things, a Stone Age cave, historical tools, and the Roman pantheon. Guided tours, workshops, and digital learning materials are available for schools and groups.
Conclusion: Archaeology as a living present
The exhibition makes visible how closely the history of humans is connected with landscape, technology, migration, and cultural exchange. Those who want to experience original finds, reconstructions, and interactive mediation in an atmospheric exhibition will find an insightful and sensory exploration in Mannheim. A visit enriches cultural education and opens new perspectives on the past of the Rhine-Neckar region.
Official channels of the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- Website: no official profile found
