Heidelberg Center for Cultural Heritage (HCCH) Egyptian Collection

The Egyptological Collection of Heidelberg University ranks among the largest and most significant university collections of its kind in Germany.

Conceived in 1912 as a teaching collection, it was established by Hermann Ranke, then Director of the Institute of Egyptology, to reflect, within the broadest possible scope, the lives of the Egyptian people and their religious ideas. Over time, the collection grew steadily through donations, acquisitions, and archaeological field research.

Today, it comprises a diverse selection of objects from nearly four millennia of pharaonic history—from early prehistory (end of the 4th millennium BC) to the period of the Arab conquest of Egypt (7th century AD). Of particular value for teaching and research are the mummies and coffins, which provide insight into burial culture, as well as statues and reliefs that attest to the artistry of ancient Egypt. The collection also preserves everyday objects, amulets, jewellery, and papyrus fragments that document life along the Nile.

The collection is under the care of the Heidelberg Centre for Cultural Heritage (HCCH). It continues to be used by students as a teaching collection. The unique objects enable students to gain practical experience in the fundamental methods for handling and preserving original objects, as well as recording techniques and basic museum and conservation principles.