University of Rostock, Rostock

Founded in 1419 under the name Alma Mater Rostochiensis, the University of Rostock stands as a venerable institution with deep-rooted traditions. It holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the Baltic Sea region. With approximately 15,000 students, the University of Rostock currently holds the distinction of being the largest university in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, too. The University main building was erected in the years 1867 – 1870 and is an example of Renaissance Revival architecture in Mecklenburg.

The university's heyday began in 1563 when the rulers and the City of Rostock negotiated equal status in patronage, ushering in an era of academic growth and prosperity. However, in the middle of the 17th century, the university's prominence waned due to the impact of wars, a devastating city fire, and the decline of the Hanseatic League.

It wasn't until the 19th century that the University of Rostock began its journey of revival. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, a commitment to modernization and progress was embraced, making the university an attractive destination for students from all corners of the globe.

Today, the university's main building primarily consists of two parts: the southern wing, known as the New Museum, was constructed in 1844 as a "Museum for the University of Rostock," designed by the accomplished architect Georg Adolph Demmler. Additionally, from 1867 to 1870, the central building and the right wing were constructed on the site of the old university, the White College, under the architectural vision of Helmuth Bogislav Hermann Willebrand.