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Welcome to the LEIZA
The Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA) is a world-leading research institute dedicated to the archaeological sciences. Operating at an international level, it brings together expertise in archaeology, conservation, scientific analysis, and digital technologies to deepen our understanding of the ancient world.
Formerly known as the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum (RGZM), the institute was established in Mainz in 1852 through a resolution by the German Historical and Antiquities Societies. It has held the status of a public foundation since 1870. On 1 January 2023, the RGZM entered a new era as the LEIZA, with a name that reflects its broader global scope and interdisciplinary approach.
LEIZA’s strength lies in its unique combination of archaeological and scientific research, state-of-the-art restoration and conservation facilities, and cutting-edge information technologies. Its infrastructure includes an extensive range of specialist laboratories, technical workshops, and a renowned library, supporting research into material culture spanning three million years, across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
By analysing archaeological finds and contexts, LEIZA gains insights into patterns of human behaviour, adaptation, and innovation, offering not only a deeper understanding of the past but also essential tools for reflecting on the present and shaping the future.
The institute operates across four locations:
- Mainz (Headquarters)
- Mayen
- Neuwied
- Schleswig
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
LEIZA houses a remarkable collection of archaeological originals and meticulously crafted scientific reproductions. These will soon be accessible to the public across multiple venues.
The Museum of Ancient Seafaring in Mainz is currently closed for renovations and will welcome visitors again by late 2025. In parallel, a new permanent exhibition at the Museum of Archaeology in Mainz is planned for 2026.
Meanwhile, visitors can explore the “MenschlICHes VERSTEHEN” (Understanding Humanity) exhibition at the Monrepos Archaeological Research Centre and Museum of Human Behavioural Evolution in Neuwied, which is open Wednesday to Sunday.
