Trier will be the venue for a unique national exhibition in 2025: under the title "Marcus Aurelius", two museums are dedicating themselves to the Roman emperor and philosopher with loans from all over Europe and impressive staging.
From June 15, 2025, Trier will be dedicating a large-scale state exhibition to the Roman emperor, general and philosopher Marcus Aurelius. The Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier and the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift are presenting outstanding exhibits from 17 countries in a unique joint exhibition - including loans from world museums such as the Louvre, the Vatican Museums and the British Museum.
The exhibition, which is under the patronage of Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer, is considered one of the cultural highlights of the year. It sheds light on the life and thoughts of Marcus Aurelius from different perspectives: The State Museum focuses on his era and his philosophy, while the City Museum takes up the question of "good rule" and links it to current social issues.
Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, exhibition "Marcus Aurelius - Emperor, General, Philosopher in Trier" © Image: Stephan Pesch/BRF
In addition to the presentations, which will run for around five months, a diverse accompanying program offers additional access: discussions, lectures and events invite visitors to experience the bridge from antiquity to the present day. Trier is thus building on the success of previous major exhibitions on Constantine, Nero and the fall of the Roman Empire and consolidating its reputation as the center of antiquity north of the Alps.
June 15 to November 23, 2025
