UMW Museum of Ancient Mediterranean Cultures – Virtually visit the UMW Museum of Ancient Mediterranean Cultures

Yellow room with marble counter and tile floor. — Interior View of the Museum as of April 2026.

Museum of Ancient Mediterranean Cultures

Welcome to the University of Mary Washington’s Museum of Ancient Mediterranean Cultures (above). The museum is currently located in James Farmer Hall (below), room 233, on UMW’s Fredericksburg Campus. This museum, hosted by the Department of Cultural and Philosophical Inquiry, is dedicated to the study of ancient Mediterranean cultures through student-led projects.

The thermopolium we have recreated here is meant to represent a space from the mid-second century CE. We aimed to evoke a somewhat elegant establishment with bright colors and murals that would attract affluent customers. We named our thermopolium COLUMBAE VENERIS (“The Doves of Venus”) after the murals in the museum. The one on the counter depicting doves pecking at the types of food served here and the one on the back wall portraying Venus holding her special dove. A visit to a thermopolium would have tantalized all of your senses. Imagine smelling the food being prepared and hearing the loud street noises as well as the people inside. Those visiting in person are free to explore, touch the counter, food props, and coins in this display.

Wide shot of brick building with domed roof, white stairs, and while columns. Students walking in front of building on brick path. — Exterior view of James Farmer Hall

HOURS

The Museum of Ancient Mediterranean Cultures is currently closed for the summer, and will reopen in August. If you wish to visit, please contact Museum Director Liane Houghtalin at lhoughta@umw.edu