On 6 May 1964, one could see the first museum exhibitions. Visitors were guided by the creator of the museum, Professor Karol Estreicher junior
Jagiellonian University Museum, photo: MUJ
The Jagiellonian University Museum belongs to the group of university museums. These are academic units established within the structures of universities in order to collect and protect cultural heritage assets created by universities in the course of their activities. The mission of university museums is to disseminate the values of Polish and world history, science and culture, popularize academic heritage and make collections available to both the academic community and the wider public. The Jagiellonian University Museum, established in 1947, is one of the oldest and largest units of this type in Poland. In 2024, it will celebrate its 60th anniversary of opening to the public.
Archival photography of the Jagiellonian University Museum, photo: MUJ
- Already in June 1964, right after its opening, I had the pleasure to visit this building with my parents. Over these 60 years, Collegium Maius has changed a lot. I mean subsequent renovations carried out under Professor Stanisław Waltoś or the current director, Professor Krzysztof Stopka. Today it is an authentic showcase of the Jagiellonian University. During each diplomatic visit, kings and presidents visit these interiors and feel that they are interacting with one of the oldest universities in the world. This place was changing not only by renovating spaces we know every day, but also by discovering places that many people had not seen before. Let me remind you of the moment when the wonderful basements and the attic were made available, where the beautiful “Sala pod Belkami“ is located - says Prof. Jacek Popiel, rector of the Jagiellonian University.
Director of the Jagiellonian University Museum, prof. Krzysztof Stopka reminds that the Collegium Maius building has been in the possession of the Jagiellonian University since 26 July 1400. The oldest statutes of this building date back to 1429. For the next over 300 years, it was the home of professors of theology and philosophy, but also a place where classes were held. - It lost these functions at the end of the 18th century, when, after the Kołłątaj reform, it was transformed into a university library and served this function until the outbreak of World War II. In 1947, the decision was made to organize a museum in this building. Today's exhibition is the vision of Karol Estreicher Junior. Today we treat his ideas as historical and we try to change them little, acting only in places where it is necessary. The Collegium Maius building, in addition to its museum functions, also serves a ceremonial role. Honorary doctorates and honorary professorships are awarded here. This is also where the professors' procession starts, which we are trying to include on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage - reminds prof. Krzysztof Stopka.
- We would like to celebrate the anniversary year through a number of events related primarily to Karol Estreicher, but also through research and popularization initiatives in the field of protection of academic heritage. Two exhibitions are planned as part of the anniversary. The first one is dedicated to the above-mentioned creator of the Jagiellonian University Museum, a professor of art history, an extraordinary figure in the landscape of post-war Krakow, a visionary, a vindicator of works of art stolen during World War II, sometimes called "the lord of Collegium Maius" due to his enormous authority and often unconventional methods of operation. The second exhibition with the eloquent title "What's the point of all this? About women at the Jagiellonian University", scheduled for autumn, is related to the 130th anniversary of women being allowed to study at the oldest Polish university, which also falls in 2024 - says Dr. Joanna Ślaga, deputy director of the Jagiellonian University Museum.
The museum also plans additional scientific, popularizing, artistic and educational events. They will be addressed to both Krakow residents and the academic community. There will be, among others: scientific sessions devoted to the interpretation and role of academic heritage for the development of the city and the region, the possibilities of using university heritage resources in education and popularizing science, as well as the importance of entities such as university museums in promoting heritage and protecting cultural goods in times of war and crises.
source – Jagiellonian University Museum
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