The Museum of Classical Antiquities was established in 1975 by the Department of Classics primarily for teaching purposes. Over the years our permanent collections has grown to include an excellent and representative ceramics collection, several sculptures and reliefs in stone and terracotta, an important Roman numismatics collection, and essentially a wide ranges of artefacts dealing with virtually all aspects of daily life in classical antiquity.

About our museum

Comprised of artefacts that reflect daily life during the period from the 7th century B.C. to the 7th century A.D., the permanent collection is enhanced by touring exhibitions and artefacts belonging to Canadian and foreign collectors.

Our programs offer several opportunities for undergraduates to participate in hands-on learning through a variety of workshops, activities and exercises which are normally incorporated into the courses offered by the Classics sector. In addition, interested students may submit applications to work as volunteers in several capacities in the Museum during the academic year. Many of our volunteers have gone on to pursue graduate work in museum studies, or have found various venues for museum employment in several contexts. We encourage students who are interested to seek us out at the beginning of term to find out about how they can be involved!

Museum cases

Museum Gallery Display Cases

Photo: Courtesy of Robert Lacombe, uOttawa
terracotta oil lamp

Terracotta Oil Lamp - Roman Carthage

Photo: Courtesy of Chandra Giroux, uOttawa
Fish plate

Fish Plate - South Italy - 4th c. BC

Photo: Courtesy of Chandra Giroux, uOttawa
Sarcophagus

Lead Sarcophagus Panels - Roman - 4th ce

Photo: Courtesy of Chandra Giroux, uOttawa
Textile

Textile Fragment - 7th ce

Photo: Courtesy of Chandra Giroux, uOttawa
Instrument

Sistrum

Photo: Courtesy of Chandra Giroux, uOttawa

Contact us

Museum Curator

Antonia Holden
Adjunct Professor and Curator of the Museum of Classical Antiquities
Room: DMS Building, Room 10101-A

John Serrati
Director of the Museum of Classical Antiquities
Room: Desmarais 10121

Museum hours

Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guided tours are by appointment only, but we accept visitors without a reservation. Guided tours can be booked by email.

Location

Desmarais Building
55 Laurier Ave. East, 3rd Floor
Ottawa, ON Canada