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4 Universitätsplatz: The old centre of the University with its three neoclassical buildings, the Robertinum, Melanchthonianum, Thomasianum

The University of Wittenberg, founded 1502 and among the oldest in Germany, was united with the University of Halle

in 1817 to form what is now the Martin Luther University, the educational institution in Saxony-Anhalt which is not only the largest but also looks back on the longest tradition. Given the need for an appropriate centre for the newly unified institution, the late neoclassical “Löwengebäude” was built on the grounds of the former Franciscan friary after plans by Ernst Friedrich Zwirner and Wilhelm Heinrich Matthias in 1832–34 as the first component of an intended complex. Steps lead between two sculpted lions through three doorways into a spacious entrance hall. By the stairway in the vestibule are two monumental paintings portraying Frederick III, Elector of Brandenburg and founder of the University of Halle and Frederick III of Wettin, founder of the “Leucorea” in Wittenberg. Railings decorated with curving acanthus shoots, based on designs by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, beautify the stairway, while wall paintings and busts of learned men are to be seen in the landings. The main hall offers original portraits of renowned professors and University rectors from the 18th century.

Panorama

Robertinum

Nextdoor at No. 12 stands the Robertinum, built 1889-91 from plans by Carl Hagemann and Otto Kilburger in neoclassical style and which houses the University’s archaeological museum. Its opening in the latter year was dedicated to the honour of Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717-1768), pioneer of modern classical archaeology and art theory. Since 1922 it has been named the Robertinum in honour of its former custodian and scholar of antiquity Carl Robert (1859-1922). Restoration was completed in 1991.

Melanchthonianium

The Melanchthonianium (No. 9) was erected in the years 1900-02 as a building to house university institutes. The design by the architects Stever and Thür deliberately reflects the space defined by its position relative to the main edifice. The building is named after Philipp Melanchthon in recognition of his role alongside Martin Luther during the Reformation.

Thomasianum

The three-storey Thomasianum (No. 10a), built 1910-11 as a practical undertaking aimed at fitting into its architectural surroundings and to house Robert Huber’s Law and Economics Institute, was named after Christian Thomasius, the first Professor of Law in the University of Halle and effective founder of the juridical faculty.