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Origin and history

The museum Adolf-Michaelis, or gypsum library in Strasbourg, preserves the collection of the institute of classical archaeology at the University of Strasbourg. This collection was assembled by Adolf Michaelis in 1874, after his arrival as the first holder of the chair of classical archaeology at the Imperial University of Strasbourg, founded in 1872. It includes casts of Greek, Roman, Near Eastern and Egyptian works, as well as photographic plates and original works. In 1897, the inventory already contained 1,710 pieces, enriched by the discoveries of Delphi, Olympia and Pergamum.

During World War II, the works were moved to the basements of the university palace to protect them. This interim measure became permanent, leading to the creation of the museum to enhance them. Today, the collection has more than 20,000 photographic plates, mainly archaeological photographs and excavations, as well as 1,500 photographs on paper, about half of which have been digitized. These documents offer a unique vision of ancient sites before the great excavations of the 19th century.

The museum is located on the garden floor of the university palace and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as at events such as Museum Night or Heritage Days. The original works, although not currently exhibited, are being studied and include exceptional pieces. The Association of Friends of the Museum Adolf-Michaelis (AMAM), created in 2015, works to enhance this collection, with the support of a scientific council composed of specialists.

The collection was initially used for educational purposes, allowing students to study various archaeological contexts. Temporary exhibitions, such as Via Greece (2014) and La démocratie athenienne (2019), have highlighted some pieces. The museum thus embodies the scientific heritage of the German Imperial University, while integrating into the cultural heritage of Strasbourg.

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