since Clemens Sels Museum Neuss

NOVAESIUM. A journey through time to ancient Neuss

New presentation of the Roman Collection

The time has come! Ancient Neuss can be rediscovered once again. The Roman Collection is returning to the exhibition rooms at the Clemens Sels Museum Neuss. After more than three years of extensive renovation, the new presentation of the impressive Roman Collection invites visitors to an exciting encounter with antiquity. Novaesium – the oldest Roman military site on the Lower Rhine – is not only an important reference point for the history of the region, but the archaeological finds also enable a fascinating journey back in time to a Roman legionary camp that is over 2000 years old.

The legionary camp in Gnadental, known as the “Koenenlager,” as well as the small fort and watchtower on the Reckberg, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2021. “We are delighted to fulfill the obligation that comes with this,” says museum director Dr. Uta Husmeier-Schirlitz, “to communicate the significance of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites to a broad public.” The comprehensive redesign of the permanent Roman exhibition, curated by Dr. Carl Pause, will open on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The new content is based on the key themes defined by UNESCO: “The Koenenlager: a blueprint for Roman legionary camps” and “Small border traffic.” The latest research findings on the architecture of the individual buildings in the camp and its inhabitants at the time, the oldest portrait of a “Neusser,” the legate of Legio XVI Gallica, Lucius Cornelius Pusio, and a coin hoard find are also important components of the analog and digital presentation.

In order to give visitors a vivid and barrier-free insight into everyday life in Novaesium, photorealistic reconstructions of selected sites were created in collaboration with the Archaeological Institute of the University of Cologne and with the support of the Rhineland Regional Council. These large digital images illustrate life in and around the military town.

The bird's-eye view of the legionary camp in Neuss and its integration into the surrounding area in the 1st century AD is just as impressive as the detailed view of the Via Principales lined with shops.

The new presentation offers a multifaceted exhibition experience that closely combines archaeological research, museum presentation, and digital and analog communication—bringing the Roman heritage of Neuss to life.

The exhibition invites visitors of all ages to rediscover ancient Novaesium. A highlight for history buffs and families alike!

Related program

Public guided tours to deepen selected topics of the exhibition.

Date Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 16
Program Public Tours
Participation fee 4 € plus admission
Registration Save event

Public guided tours to deepen selected topics of the exhibition.

Date Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time 3 pm – 4 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 14
Program Public Tours
Participation fee 4 € plus admission
Registration Save event

After a guided tour of the exhibition, there will be an opportunity for exchange over coffee and cake.

Date Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time 1 pm – 1:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 12
Program Art & Sandwich
Participation fee 11 € incl. coffee and cake
Registration Save event

Public guided tours to deepen selected topics of the exhibition.

Date Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 20
Program Public Tours
Participation fee 4 € plus admission
Registration Save event

Ein paar Kinder sitzen mit römsichen Tuniken verkleidet an einem Tisch und schreiben mit Federn auf Papyrus.

Every 1st Sunday of the month, parallel to the first public adult tour of the day, there is a double-pack workshop for children aged 6 and up.

Not only magicians and witches can wow their audience with spectacular tricks, you can do it too! We will look at paintings and sculptures in the current exhibition and then get creative ourselves. With a few simple tricks, you can become the master of illusion and create breathtaking drawings with three-dimensional optical illusions.

Date Sunday, March 01, 2026
Time 11:30 am – 1 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 8
Program Double and Triple Pack
Participation fee 4 € plus 2 € material costs
Registration Save event

Besucher*innen stehen vor dem Modell von Novaesium in der römischen Sammlung.

Public guided tours to deepen selected topics of the exhibition.

Date Sunday, March 01, 2026
Time 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 20
Program Public Tours
Participation fee 4 € plus admission
Registration Save event

Eine Frau liegt in einer Yoga Pose auf einer Yoga Matte.

After a 30-minute short tour, we invite you to a 60-minute yoga session with a view of the nature and let the week end in a very relaxed way.

Date Sunday, March 08, 2026
Time 4 pm – 5:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 3
Program Yoga in the Museum
Course instructor Wiebke Schäkel from yogimotion
Participation fee 10 € plus admission
Registration Save event

Besucher*innen stehen in dem Ausstellungsraum der römischen Sammlung und schauen sich die Objekte in den Vitrinen an und lachen.

Public guided tours to deepen selected topics of the exhibition.

Date Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time 3 pm – 4 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 20
Program Public Tours
Participation fee 4 € plus admission
Registration Save event

Auf einem Holztisch liegen bunt verzierte Kekse

After a guided tour of the exhibition, there will be an opportunity for exchange over coffee and cake.

Date Monday, April 06, 2026
Time 3 pm – 4:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 7
Program Art & Cake
Participation fee 11 € incl. coffee and cake
Registration Save event

Ein Besucher trägt einen römischen Helm in der Ausstellung.

Colorful rock paintings in picture caves, painted bones and figures made of clay - art has always been an important part of our lives, even in the Stone Age! Together with an archaeologist, we explore the art world of the Stone Age people, investigate the production of various colors and then make our own works of art.

Date Tuesday, April 07, 2026
Time 10 am – 1 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 3
Program Vacation Fun
Participation fee 25 € incl. material costs, entrance fee and lunch break
Age 6 - 12 years
Registration Save event

Es liegen verschiedene antike Münzen übereinander.

Colorful rock paintings in picture caves, painted bones and figures made of clay - art has always been an important part of our lives, even in the Stone Age! Together with an archaeologist, we explore the art world of the Stone Age people, investigate the production of various colors and then make our own works of art.

Date Thursday, April 09, 2026
Time 10 am – 1 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 3
Program Vacation Fun
Participation fee 25 € incl. material costs, entrance fee and lunch break
Age 6 - 12 years
Registration Save event

After a guided tour of the exhibition, there will be an opportunity for exchange over coffee and cake.

Date Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time 1 pm – 1:30 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 12
Program Art & Sandwich
Participation fee 11 € incl. coffee and cake
Registration Save event

Public guided tours to deepen selected topics of the exhibition.

Date Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time 3 pm – 4 pm
Location Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
Available places 20
Program Curator’s Tour
Participation fee 4 € plus admission
Registration Save event
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