What is hard to imagine today used to be a reality at many universities: the ‘Karzer’ – the university’s own ‘prison’ for students. Anyone who breached academic regulations had to serve their punishment here. From today’s perspective, the reasons often seem astonishing: in the Würzburg Karzer, for example, students ended up there for throwing snowballs, or for giving fellow students the answers during the ‘Physikum’ exam.

The walls of these distinctive rooms still tell their very own stories, documented in pictures, to this day. They were covered with drawings, slogans and messages from former inmates – a unique testament to student life in centuries past.

In the new Museum of University History, visitors will soon be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a ‘Karzer’. A particular highlight: in the walk-in Karzer installation, anyone can leave their own ‘wall graffiti’ and thus become part of a living tradition. Here, history is not merely observed – it can be actively shaped.

But the museum will be far more than just a glimpse into everyday student life of times gone by. The University of Würzburg, which received its charter as early as 1402 and had its charter reaffirmed in 1582, will in future present the diverse stories of an institution with a history stretching back over 600 years. Visitors will learn about famous figures, extraordinary events and charming curiosities. Museum guests can discover what a quagga is, who is known for their ‘buffalo-like roughness’, and why a research expedition was set off from a caravan.

“Very few universities in Germany have created a space where the public can experience their own history. And to do so in a room that is 444 years old and itself a historical artefact!” says Dr Marcus Holtz, Head of the University Archives, with delight.

Preparations for the museum are already being supported by an impressive level of backing from the university community and foundations: 120,000 euros have been raised so far. However, a further 70,000 euros are still needed to ensure the project is realised in a comprehensive, sustainable and inclusive manner.

At this Open Day for the museum of university history, which is currently under development, anyone interested can already take a look at the future exhibition space – the university’s wine cellar – whilst enjoying a glass of Federweißer or grape juice. You are warmly invited to find out more about the project and the fundraising campaign on the day, and to put your knowledge to the test in a quiz.

Quiz with prize draw – at the museum on 23 October 2026 from 5 pm to 8 pm; the quiz starts at 5.45 pm, with further rounds every 45 minutes.