Humboldt University of Berlin

Humboldt University of Berlin traces back to a 1809 founding by the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm III and began teaching in 1810. The driving force behind it was Wilhelm von Humboldt, whose ideal of uniting research and teaching became the model for modern universities around the world. The school has carried its current name, honoring the brothers Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt, since 1949; before that it was simply the University of Berlin and, from 1828, the Friedrich Wilhelm University.

The main building at Unter den Linden 6 occupies the former palace of Prince Heinrich, a Baroque structure from the middle of the 18th century. With its long roster of famous names, the HU ranks among the most storied places of learning in Europe: the Brothers Grimm, Rudolf Virchow, Robert Koch, Hermann von Helmholtz and the physicist Lise Meitner all worked here. Around 56 Nobel laureates are associated with the university.

The main building sits in the middle of the historic center, across from Bebelplatz and steps from the State Opera and the Forum Fridericianum. The grand facade is a popular photo stop, and the entrance hall leads to noticeboards and the occasional public event. A walk along Unter den Linden pairs the university naturally with the surrounding sights. Lecture halls and libraries are reserved for university business.