University Heritage Museum launches for the anniversary year
04/21/2026In 2027, the University of Würzburg will celebrate 625 years since its foundation. The University Heritage Museum will open its doors for the first time in the anniversary year. Interested parties can support it with donations.
Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) looks back on a long history: Prince-Bishop Johann von Egloffstein obtained its founding privilege in 1402. This makes it the oldest university in Bavaria and one of the oldest in Germany and Europe. In 2027, it celebrates its foundation 625 years ago.
Just in time for the anniversary, the new University Heritage Museum (MUG) will open in the historic vaults of the Old University on 14 February 2027. Its motto: "Knowledge. Change. Truths." Interested visitors can look forward to exhibits that illustrate how science has shaped and continues to shape Würzburg and the world.
A team from the University Archive is responsible for the MUG: Dr. Marcus Holtz, Head of the University Archive, is in charge of the project, with Edna Horst and Sonja Rakoczy assisting him as curator and curatorial assistant respectively.
"Since its foundation, our Alma Julia has not only defied adversity and challenges in the past, but has also actively and positively helped shape developments in a changing world with a great deal of innovative strength," says Dr. Marcus Holtz. The new museum will bear witness to this tradition and heritage.
Exhibits from centuries of university history
Visitors can look forward to exhibits from all possible eras of the university's history: Alongside the 19th century bone chainsaw is the damaged altar from the university's own church, dating from around 1700. Next to the university wine and the history of the university forest are the remains of the house sign of the "Großer Löwenhof" or its neighbouring house - the university was originally based in "Großer Löwenhof". In addition to the story of the murder of the first rector Johann Zantfurt, there is also information about the Karzer, the university's detention cell at the time.
The permanent exhibition at the MUG will also cover the National Socialist era and the history of women in science and academia. Another focus will be on JMU in the here and now. More precisely: What does everyday university life look like today?
A vaulted cellar with history
The vaulted cellar in which the MUG will be housed was built in 1582 as a wine cellar. From 1928, Max Stern (1883-1956) used the vaulted cellar as a warehouse for his Franconian wine, which the Würzburg wine merchant sold throughout Europe.
The Jewish Stern family fled due to persecution by the National Socialists. During the Second World War, the cellar served as an air raid shelter. After the end of the war, the Juliusspital briefly managed the room, later it was used as a storeroom.
In 2024, clearing and renovation work began to open up the 400 square metre room as a museum space.
Support the museum with donations
With a donation, supporters can help the museum to secure exhibits, acquire new ones and present them in a contemporary way. Information can be found on the MUG website.
Contact
University Archive of the JMU, T +49 931 31-86032, uniarchiv@uni-wuerzburg.de
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