Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) is the oldest university in Berlin and one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world.
Founded in 1810 by Wilhelm von Humboldt, it revolutionized modern education with the "Humboldtian" model, which unites teaching with independent research.
History and Legacy:
- Foundation: originally called Alma Mater Berolinensis, it was created to be the intellectual heart of Prussia.
- Nobel Prizes: the university is the birthplace of 29 Nobel Prize winners, including names such as Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Werner Heisenberg.
- Famous Students and Professors: figures such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Otto von Bismarck, Hegel, and the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm studied or taught in its halls.
The imposing main building (Palais des Prinzen Heinrich) is located on Unter den Linden avenue in the historic center of Berlin.
- Architecture: Originally built for Prince Henry of Prussia in the 18th century, the Baroque palace has survived wars and reconstructions.
- Statues: In front of the building, you will find statues of the Humboldt brothers: Wilhelm (the linguist and diplomat) and Alexander (the naturalist and explorer).
- Inner Courtyard: A tranquil and historic spot that can be quickly visited by tourists.
Places of interest for visitors:
- Grimm-Zentrum (Library): Located near Friedrichstraße station, it is one of the most modern and architecturally impressive libraries in Europe. Although access to the desks is restricted to students, the interior architecture is worth a quick look in the lobby.
- Campus Nord: located near the Natural History Museum (Naturkundemuseum), it houses faculties of science and medicine (the famous Charité hospital is a partner of the University Hospital).
- Bebelplatz: located directly opposite the main building. It is the site of the infamous Nazi book burning in 1933. There is an underground memorial in the center of the square (a room of empty bookshelves under a glass floor) that honors the persecuted authors.
Address
Unter den Linden 6
S3/S5/S7 Hackescher Markt Station
