Museum of Ancient Seafaring

Starting March 7, 2027, the Museum of Ancient Navigation of the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA) in Mainz invites you back on a journey through the world of antiquity after comprehensive renovation and re-design.

In the heart of Mainz, centuries-old shipwrecks tell of a time when rivers and seas were important trade routes. In the Museum of Ancient Navigation of the Leibniz Center for Archaeology (LEIZA), you will learn how people traveled in antiquity, engaged in trade, and maintained contact over long distances.

At the center are the late Roman shipwrecks discovered in the 1980s on the banks of the Rhine in Mainz. Two reconstructed ships, each about 20 meters long, impressively showcase what the vessels looked like back then. Original finds, models, and replicas offer further insights into ancient navigation.

The new permanent exhibition "On to New Shores" primarily tells the stories of the people on board: merchants, soldiers, and travelers, their experiences, and the challenges of long journeys. It also addresses questions that concern us to this day: How does mobility change our lives? What happens when people from different cultures meet?

Interactive and digital offerings make the exhibition vivid. There are also playful opportunities for children to discover the world of ancient navigation. Expanded barrier-free access facilitates the museum visit for all guests.

Museum für Antike Schifffahrt