The Collection of Classical Antiquities
The Collection of Classical Antiquities is the youngest of the archaeological collections at Uppsala University, with a first official mention in 1913. Objects from classical antiquity were already in the possession of the University during the 19th century, but then as part of the Museum of Nordic Prehistory.
When the Collection was founded, in 1913, it was kept at the home of the then Professor of Classical Antiquity, Sam Wide. The subject did not have its own premises until 1920 when it moved into Gustavianum and the Collection could be expanded. In 1922, a number of objects from the National Museum in Stockholm and from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition were deposited in the Collection.
The public was given the opportunity to see the antiquities only from 1955, when a completely new permanent exhibition was opened. It was also in connection with this event that Antiksamlingen (the Collection of Classical Antiquities) became the official name. Today, the Collection contains around 4,000 objects from the ancient cultures of the lands around the Mediterranean.
The Collection of Classical Antiquities display in Gustavianum, 1950s
Crater Vase. Red-figure Attic pottery, attributed to the Uppsala Painter. 4th century BC.
Hydria. Black-figure Attic pottery, attributed to the Theseus Painter. 4th century BC.
The Collection of Classical Antiquities display in Gustavianum, 1950s
Want to know more about the collection?
As a private individual, you can access the objects in our collections in various ways. Look out for our events, visit the Gustavianum's various exhibitions or search for the objects on the digital platform Alvin. If you have specific questions, you can contact our antiquarians for each collection.