Uniseum

About the museum

The Uniseum was set up at the suggestion of then-rector Wolfgang Jäger and opened on July 5, 2004. It is considered one of the first museums of its kind at a German university; its name combines the words "Universität" and "Museum." It is housed in the Alte Universität on Bertoldstraße, on the site of the earliest buildings of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, founded in 1457.

The permanent exhibition covers about 1,000 square meters on two levels. On the first floor, a chronological overview first guides visitors through the university's history, after which themed islands present individual disciplines and prominent Freiburg researchers. For the university's anniversary in 2007, the historic vaulted cellar was added; its walls date back to the Middle Ages, and it is devoted to student life through the centuries. At the same time, the two surviving student prisons (Karzer) in Kollegiengebäude I were restored.

After a closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and fire-safety work, the museum reopened in 2020 with new sections, including one on the university's flight from the plague to Villingen and a critical look at the anatomical-anthropological skull collection. The Uniseum also sees itself as a meeting place and is used for university events.

Highlights

• Tour through Freiburg's university history since 1457
• Historic vaulted cellar with an exhibition on student life
• Cabinet of curiosities modeled on the Renaissance Wunderkammer
• Section on the university's flight from the plague to Villingen
• Student prisons (Karzer) in Kollegiengebäude I on special tours

Permanent exhibitions

• Sechs Jahrhunderte Universitätsgeschichte – A chronological tour and themed islands on the disciplines and researchers of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, complemented in the cellar by a look at student life.

Founded

2004

Operated by

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. Private group tours cost a flat €90 (school classes €80) for one hour, or €120 for tours lasting 90 to 120 minutes.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The first floor with the main exhibition areas is accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible restroom in the entrance area. The vaulted cellar can only be reached by stairs and has an uneven historic stone floor. Free tours for visitors with visual impairments by arrangement. The student prisons are not accessible.

Kids & families

Exhibition on the first floor is accessible; the historic vaulted cellar can only be reached by stairs and is unsuitable for strollers.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Museum shop with books on university history, postcards, souvenirs, and university wine.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Following a booked tour, receptions with drinks and cold food can be held in the historic Bursenkeller (the "small banquet hall").

Plan your visit