Lapidarium

Lapidary (Latin lapis, "stone" ) is the name for a collection of stone works, such as sculptures, sarcophagi, epitaphs, milestones, grave stones, etc., which are often issued at the excavation site. Despite the Roman name often lapidaries from other eras are compiled.

Examples of lapidaries are the Augusta Raurica, the Roman Lapidary of the National Museum Württemberg in the New Castle in Stuttgart, the Stuttgart Municipal lapidary, lapidary of the collegiate church of St. Gallen (8th- 17th century), the lapidary Seggau Castle in southern Styria, Lapidary of the pilgrimage church of Maria Saal, Berlin's Lapidary in Berlin- Kreuzberg, Lapidary St. Gertraud in and around the St. Gertraud church in Magdeburg district Salbke and Lapidary Willrode at Erfurt.

Lapidaries have emerged until the late 19th century as a private antique collections avid civil as well as aristocratic collectors. They are often characterized in that it contains exhibitions are presented, which can not be presented as part of a "big" museum. Not infrequently, the origin of the pieces is unclear.

More modern lapidaries have emerged as an exhibition of finds from archaeological excavations. Here, the lapidary usually only a limited part of a broader exhibition concept dar.

Another group of lapidaries has emerged more or less affiliated with site huts or high quality historic buildings in order to preserve the originals in the wake of renewed construction of parts, especially the architectural sculpture and sculpture in the interior ( Depot) can. Especially with faith-based structures, such as churches, a major reason for Affiliate lapidaries Desiring already consecrated lay members to store and then on hallowed ground when they no longer directly were used. This stored remains of the original components are still important research objects for building archeology, as it can be used materials, original coatings or early processing techniques to study.

The last two groups are characterized by the proximity between exhibition and Origin of the exhibits.