The first exhibition on what is now the Museuminsel was actually held at the end of the 18th century. The first proper museum-like structure built to contain important artefacts was built some thirty years ago, in an area that was already dedicated exclusively to art rather than continuing to be a purely residential neighbourhood. This museum, which is the modern-day Altes Museum, had one purpose and one purpose only: to house the Antikensammlung, which was being enriched at the time by several German archaeological expeditions throughout the world. The Antikensammlung is still 'alive and well' today, and it’s the most important collection of classical art in the world, containing thousands of treasures from ancient Mediterranean civilisations. Currently it’s housed in both the Altes Museum and the Pergamon Museum.