Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Universitätsmuseum
Museum of the University of Heidelberg, the oldest in present-day Germany, founded in 1386. It is housed in the Alte Universität, a Baroque building on Universitätsplatz, and includes the Aula, the university's ceremonial hall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Universitätsmuseum
The Universidade de Heidelberg was founded in 1386 by Elector Prince Ruprecht I and is the oldest in present-day Germany. Its historic building, the Alte Universität, was built between 1712 and 1728 on the Universitätsplatz, in the middle of the Altstadt, after the city was destroyed at the end of the 17th century.
On the ground floor is the Universitätsmuseum, which tells more than six centuries of the institution’s history: portraits, documents, objects from student associations and the role of professors and students in major moments of German history, including the Nazi period.
Upstairs is the Aula, the university’s ceremonial hall, decorated in the late 19th century with carved wood and paintings. It is still used for ceremonies and therefore is not always open to visitors. The Studentenkarzer, the old student prison, is on the back street, Augustinergasse.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour for the museum and the Aula. Add about 30 minutes for the Studentenkarzer.
Best time
In the mornings on weekdays. The Aula may be closed on days with ceremonies. Hours change between winter and summer: check before you go.
How to get there
It’s on the Universitätsplatz, next to the Hauptstraße. From Bismarckplatz it’s about a 10-minute walk; from Marktplatz about 5 minutes.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Studentenkarzer on the back street. Check before you go which combined tickets are available and whether the Aula will be open that day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Universitätsmuseum
Is the Universidade de Heidelberg the oldest in Germany?
It is the oldest in the present-day territory of Germany, founded in 1386 by Prince-Elector Ruprecht I.
Is the Aula always open?
No. The hall is still used for university ceremonies and is closed on those days. Check before you go.
Is the museum far from the Studentenkarzer?
No. The Studentenkarzer is on Augustinergasse, the street behind the Alte Universität, a one- to two-minute walk away.