# Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum

> archaeological research institute and museum in Mainz

**Wikidata**: [Q878029](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q878029)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leibniz-Zentrum_für_Archäologie)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/romisch-germanisches-zentralmuseum

## Summary
The Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum (RGZM) was an archaeological research institute and museum located in Mainz, Germany. Founded in 1852, it functioned as a dual-purpose institution dedicated to both scientific archaeological research and public museum education. On January 1, 2023, the entity was succeeded by and rebranded as the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), continuing its operations as part of the Leibniz Association.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded in 1852.
- **Location**: Mainz, Germany (Coordinates: approx. 50.0061°N, 8.26972°E).
- **Type**: Archaeological research institute and museum.
- **Successor**: Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (inception: January 1, 2023).
- **Parent Organization**: Leibniz Association.
- **Alternate Names**: RGZM, LEIZA, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Archäologie.
- **Director (Transitional Period)**: Alexandra W. Busch (start time: 2018).
- **Founding Director**: Ludwig Lindenschmit the Elder (start time: 1852 – end time: 1893).
- **Websites**: Historical site (http://web.rgzm.de/) and Current site (https://www.leiza.de/).
- **Identifiers**: ISIL: DE-MUS-090919; GRID ID: grid.461784.8; VIAF ID: 148787553.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum called now?
A: As of January 1, 2023, the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum (RGZM) operates under the name Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA). It remains a research institute and museum for archaeology within the Leibniz Association.

### Q: Where is the museum located?
A: The institute is located in Mainz, Germany. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 50.0061° N, 8.26972° E.

### Q: What are the primary functions of the institute?
A: It functions dually as a research institute and a museum. Its primary purpose is conducting archaeological research and preserving exhibits related to Roman and Germanic history.

## Why It Matters
The Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum served as a critical infrastructure for the preservation and interpretation of European archaeological heritage for over 170 years. As a member of the Leibniz Association—a union of German research institutes—it played a significant role in bridging the gap between theoretical archaeology and public education. The institute provided a formal structure for archaeological science in Germany, evolving from a museum founded in the mid-19th century into a modern research hub. Its transition into the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie in 2023 marks a strategic shift to solidify its identity within the broader network of German scientific research organizations, ensuring the continuity of its collections and scientific output under a unified brand.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Operating as a research institution since 1852, spanning over 170 years of history.
- **Dual Mission**: Combining the functions of a peer-reviewed research institute with those of a public museum.
- **Leibniz Association Membership**: Being a member of a prestigious network of non-university research institutes in Germany.
- **Continuity of Leadership**: Maintaining a recorded lineage of directors dating back to its founder, Ludwig Lindenschmit the Elder, in 1852.
- **Rebranding**: Formally transitioning to the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie in 2023 to align its nomenclature with its parent association.

## Body

### Founding and Historical Timeline
The Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum was established in 1852 in Mainz, Germany. Its historical leadership is well-documented:
- **1852–1893**: Directed by Ludwig Lindenschmit the Elder (Founding Director).
- **1900–1926**: Directed by Karl Schumacher.
- **1927–1952**: Directed by Gustav Behrens.
- **1953–1958**: Directed by Wolfgang Fritz Volbach.
- **1958–1981**: Directed by Kurt Böhner.
- **1982–2003**: Directed by Konrad Weidemann.
- **2003–2018**: Directed by Falko Daim.
- **2018–Present**: Directed by Alexandra W. Busch.

### Organizational Structure and Succession
The institute is defined as an organization whose primary purpose is research. It is affiliated with the **Leibniz Association** (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft) and is a member of the **Informationsdienst Wissenschaft** and the **German National Research Data Infrastructure**.

Effective **January 1, 2023**, the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum was succeeded by the **Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie** (LEIZA). This change reflected a reorientation of the institute's branding to emphasize its integration within the Leibniz Association network.

### Identity and Databases
The entity maintains distinct identifiers across various scientific and library networks:
- **Short Names**: RGZM, LEIZA.
- **Library & Authority IDs**: GND ID: 4028138-3; Library of Congress Authority ID: n50052326; BNF ID: 119889091.
- **Research IDs**: ISNI: 0000000121813201; GRID: grid.461784.8; Ringgold ID: 28419.
- **Wikidata**: The entity is described as an "archaeological research institute and museum in Mainz."

### Physical Location
The institute is situated in **Mainz, Germany**, specifically at the Electoral Palace (Kurfürstliches Schloss Mainz), as indicated by location data and imagery. The general time zone for the location is UTC+01:00 (standard time) and UTC+02:00 (daylight saving time).

## References

1. archINFORM
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. [Source](https://idw-online.de/de/institution1371)
6. [Source](https://www.nfdi.de/verein/#mitglieder)
7. ROR release v1.19
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B6misch-Germanisches_Zentralmuseum)
10. [Source](http://vici.org/vici/7966)
11. [Source](https://vici.org/vici/7966)
12. GRID Release 2016-12-06
13. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
14. GERiT
15. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File