Original moulds

The oldest figurative works of art known to mankind are around 40,000 years old. They mainly depict people, but also the animal world of the Ice Age. Based on well-known finds from the caves of the Swabian Alb, such as the famous lion's head from the Vogelherd Cave in the Lone Valley or the so-called Adoranten from the Geißenklösterle in the Achtal, 23 carved Ice Age artworks from other European sites can be experienced up close. In Munich, the exhibition has been supplemented by replicas of four Bavarian finds, the originals of which are presented in the new permanent exhibition of the Archäologische Staatssammlung (State Archaeological Collection). These include the "Rote von Mauern" statuette (approx. 25,000 BC, Weinberg caves near Mauern), a perforated bone staff with a figurative representation and a mammoth engraving (approx. 15,000 BC, Klausen caves in the Altmühltal) and a limestone slab with a horse's head and human figures (approx. 14,000 BC, Hohlenstein cave near Ederheim). The exhibition works exclusively with copies of outstanding examples of Palaeolithic art in order to give visitors a close-up experience. Interactive stations offer insights into key questions about the living environment of Palaeolithic people.

Last edited on 07.11.2024