Here, a tale of fire and earth unfolds at the Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei. This museum is in Mainz-Bretzenheim. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity. It also showcases the enduring legacy of brickmaking.
The Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei began with two amateur archaeologists. Their passion for uncovering the past led to a remarkable collection of Roman bricks and clay pipes. These finds became the foundation of this unique museum. The museum resides above the ring oven. This oven is the heart of the former brick factory. It is where countless bricks were fired. The ring oven is a cultural monument. It is the only fully preserved one in Rheinhessen. In 1992, it was placed under protection as an industrial monument.
Imagine this: you are standing in a 600-square-meter timber-framed structure. It is perched above the ring oven. This is the Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei. The space once served a vital purpose. Workers poured fine-grained coal onto the bricks. This happened in the firing chambers below.
The Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei boasts an extensive Roman collection. You can see brick stamps from legions stationed in Mainz. There are also imprints of animal paws. Even a hobnailed Roman shoe is preserved here. You will see various components of Roman building ceramics.
Wander through the spacious attic. There is a display of roof coverings. Marvel at brick bonds and water pipes. Informative panels line the walls. There are also countless illustrations. A reconstructed Roman brick grave offers a glimpse into ancient burial practices.
The Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei holds treasures from across millennia. The oldest brick dates back to 2000 BC. See a fragment bearing cuneiform script. It originates from Nebuchadnezzar II’s step pyramid in Babylon. This is the legendary Tower of Babel.
The Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei is a private initiative. It showcases a collection of bricks and artifacts. These span four millennia. The brick reflects human history. Its story is as impressive as the production techniques used. The Ziegelmuseum is open every Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 between April and October.
Children can discover how clay becomes a brick. They can form and decorate their own small bricks. A tour of the ring oven reveals the industrial brick production. The Ziegelmuseum hosts events like the Ziegeleifest. The Kinderziegelei is open to everyone at the “Tag des offenen Denkmals”.
The Ziegelmuseum Alte Ziegelei is more than just a museum. It is a journey through time. It connects us to the ingenuity of past generations.