As a Leibniz research institute and museum for archaeology, LEIZA researches humans and their development on the basis of material remains from three million years across time and space. The fundamental insights gained from this help us to better understand human behaviour and actions and the development of societies. In this way, LEIZA enriches human knowledge with the archaeological perspective and creates essential foundations for reflecting on the present and shaping the future. With archaeology, LEIZA understands the human being in context and shares the knowledge gained in international dialogue. LEIZA is active worldwide and has successfully and comprehensively conducted research in various regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. The unique concentration of archaeological, scientific, restoration and information technology expertise, combined with important workshops, laboratories and archives, makes it possible to conduct object-oriented research into the archaeology of the ancient world (Asia, Africa, Europe) from the beginnings of human history to modern times. As one of eight research museums in the Leibniz Association, LEIZA combines excellent science with exhibitions and, with its educational mission, is also a place of dialogue with the public.
Until its international renaming on 1 January 2023, LEIZA was known as the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum (RGZM) and was founded in Mainz in 1852 by resolution of the German historical and antiquities societies. Since 2024, LEIZA is represented at four locations in Germany: Mainz, Neuwied, Mayen, and Schleswig.
