The Pergamonmuseum is completely closed due to construction work. Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama remains open. Tickets

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Gifts to the Gods
Ancient Votive Offerings

09.03.2006 to 15.04.2007

Pergamonmuseum
Pergamonmuseum

An exhibition of the Collection of Classical Antiquities and the University of Freiburg im Breisgau


Making votive offerings was a widespread custom in antiquity. The gifts to the gods were intended to effect their benevolence and their protection for certain concerns, or to thank them for favours already granted. An enormous number of votive reliefs, votive plates or statuettes found in sanctuaries testify to this practice. The exhibits from the holdings of the Collection of Classical Antiquities, mostly small-scale objects, offer the visitor an insight into the broad spectrum of votive offerings to the gods and shed light not only on the origin and the intention of those making the offering but also on their financial use.