Primal Forms. Ice Age Art of Europe

Archäologisches Museum Colombischlössle

23 October 2025 – 8 March 2026

Icy cold and unique art – do they go together?
Archaeology says: yes! Around 45,000 years ago, modern humans arrived in Europe and created masterfully crafted works of art. Small sculptures of people and animals still reveal how our ancestors perceived their world. The 23 most famous figures of Ice Age Europe are brought to life here through faithful replicas – touching is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Highlights of the exhibition include unique originals from the Badisches Landesmuseum, such as a stylised female figure and an intricately decorated perforated baton, both discovered at the former hunting camp at Petersfels near Engen. The melody of a bone flute accompanies visitors on their journey into the caves of the Ice Age.