Museums, Collections and Historical Architecture of the Jagiellonian University Table of Contents
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Museums, Collections and Historical Architecture of the Jagiellonian University Table of contents Dear Readers, 5 History Museums, Collections and Historical Architecture invaluable antique books preserved by the Jagiel- of the Jagiellonian University is a book born of the lonian Library and possesses one of the largest desire to share with you the items and heritage university archives: the JU Archives. Amongst the 11 Botanical Garden sites that the Jagiellonian University cared for, of- exhibits are also those related to the field of med- ten for centuries, in hope of preserving them for icine, originally kept at the Theatrum Anatomi- the future generations – the witnesses of its his- cum, Chair of Pharmacognosy, and JU Medical Chair in Pharmacognosy tory. I urge you to study this book, full of beautiful College Museum of Pharmacy. Even a garden can 15 images and photographs, aesthetically pleasing, become a museum in Kraków, as evidenced by the and filled to the brim with fascinating descriptions JU Botanical Garden. of historical objects: an undeniable proof that the Though dressed in more modern clothing, his- 19 Collegium Iuridicum oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest tory is also clearly visible at the 3rd Campus of the in Europe has never failed to protect its heritage, 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University upholding its dedication to the primacy of reason Revival in the form of Natural Sciences Education Collegium Maius over force, expressed its motto plus ratio quam Centre, containing unique exhibits from the old 23 vis engraved in stone in one of the most stunning museums of natural sciences faculties. University buildings – Collegium Maius. Each and every one of these buildings is in itself The history of the Kraków Academy is very di- a distinct historical element of the Kraków Acade- 29 Collegium Minus verse, ranging from its golden age in the 15th my that witnesses the 21st century. century, through the difficult period of refor- I could spend hours writing about the Universi- mation and religious divisions, 18th-century re- ty’s history captured in museums and their exhi- Jagiellonian Library forms of Hugo Kołłątaj, 19th-century prosperity, bitions, which instil a sense of wonder and admi- 33 harsh times of war and rebuilding, and, finally, to ration for various aspects of art and culture and, the political transformations in Poland in 1989. through their symbolism and uniqueness, are Throughout the entirety of its activity, the Jag- a representation of universal values. But it is not 37 Jagiellonian University Archives iellonian University (known in various periods as about detailed descriptions. Rather, it is about the Studium Generale, Kraków Academy, Princi- showing the University’s heritage and encourag- pal School of the Realm, and Principal School of ing you, the Readers, to experience it in person. Medical Museums Kraków) collected and looked after items from Let the words and images that fill this book so 41 various disciplines, all connected by one purpose: richly tell you the story of Alma Mater Cracov- to contribute to the University’s greatness. iensis, and take you on a journey through time. Today, the Jagiellonian University is a veritable I very much hope you will enjoy it. 45 Museum of Pharmacy hoard of historical items, displaying a plethora of exhibits from all branches of knowledge in numerous locations around Kraków. Their num- Natural Sciences Education Centre ber and variety are at the same time astounding 49 and delightful. They encompass both priceless exhibits stored in museums such as Collegium Maius and smaller collections meticulously accu- 53 Pusłowski Mansion mulated over the years by other University units, for instance, the reproductions used for teach- ing and research at the JU Institute of Art Histo- ry stored at Collegium Iuridicum or the unique exhibits of the JU Institute of Archaeology. Prof. Wojciech Nowak, MD, PhD Moreover, the Jagiellonian University also holds Rector of the Jagiellonian University MUSEUMS, COLLECTIONS AND HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY 3 History The oldest university in Poland was established on 12 May 1364 in Kraków. It was created by King Casimir the Great who received permission from Pope Urban V to found the first Studium Generale in his kingdom. On that day, the King issued the foundation charter of the University, which also set the financial framework for its activity and granted its professors numerous privileges. Modelled after the universities in Bologna and Padua, the newly founded institution consisted of three faculties: of law, medicine and liberal arts. MUSEUMS, COLLECTIONS AND HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY 5 Germany, Bohemia and Hungary, but also from France, England, Switzerland, Scotland, Italy, and even Spain. From the mid-16th century the University experi- enced a gradual decline and the resultant decrease in the number of students in the 17th century. This state of affairs has usually been attributed to religious conflicts of the Reformation era. On the one hand, the University declared itself as a Catholic institution, which antagonised protestants, and on the other, the Counter-Reformation brought about a conflict with ittle is known about the initial years of the Jagiel- the Jesuit order. These factors had a very negative lonian University. The two earliest accounts from impact on the University’s development. The Institu- the years 1367-1369 indicate the functioning of tion was especially strongly affected by the exodus of two faculties: of liberal arts and medicine and the start students from the higher social strata. Consequently, Lof construction of a new college in Kazimierz (currently more commoners from the Małopolska region enrolled a district of Kraków) by King Casimir. Yet, these plans to the University. Nevertheless, its students included were thwarted by the King’s death in 1370. many important political figures of the 17th century After King Casimir’s death the Studium Generale fell Poland, including King Jan Sobieski, his father Jakub into decline, which continued until Queen Jadwiga and Sobieski, hetman (chief of the armed forces) Stanisław King Vladislaus Jagiełło undertook serious efforts to Jabłonowski, and bishop Andrzej Olszowski. The crisis revive it. The royal couple’s role in the University’s his- and stagnation at the University in the 17th and early tory cannot be overestimated. They successfully plead- 18th century were aggravated by the difficult political ed with Pope Boniface IX to license the foundation of and economic situation of the Polish Kingdom. In the a faculty of theology, which was considered the most 18th century, the institution urgently needed changes. prestigious discipline, as the University’s fourth faculty. The first attempts at reform were undertaken in the The queen’s great commitment to the academia was 1740s and then in 1765, but real changes only came proven by her will, in which she bequeathed her crown after the establishment of the Commission of National jewels to the University, which allowed the purchase of Education (1773). The University reform, led by Hugo a new house for its premises. After Jadwiga’s prema- Kołłątaj, was implemented in 1780. Polish replaced Lat- ture death, her efforts were continued by her husband, in as the language of instruction and four faculties were Jagiełło, leading to the University’s reopening of on 26 replaced by two colleges: Collegium Morale and Colle- July 1400, is generally considered it’s revival or second gium Physicum. In the spirit of the Enlightenment, new foundation. research disciplines, based mostly on sensory experi- The royal patronage continued after 1400. The Uni- ence, were promoted. The University’s was named the versity required further development and investment Principal School of the Realm (Szkoła Główna Koronna). and King Vladislaus secured funds for its functioning, From that moment on, it assumed the duty of manag- including the professors’ earnings, and finalised the ing lower level schools and training new teachers. The purchase of a tenement house, which became the Uni- Botanical Garden, the Astronomical Observatory and versity’s oldest college (named the Royal College) and the first University hospital were established in this pe- later served as the seat of the Faculty of Theology. Af- riod. The Kołłątaj’s reforms had a landmark impact on ter gradual extension, it became known as Collegium the University. Maius (the Greater College), as opposed to Collegium Minus (the Lesser College), which was established near- by in mid-15th century and housed the faculty of liberal arts. The buildings of the remaining two faculties: of law (Collegium Iuridicum) and of medicine (Collegium Medicum) were erected at Grodzka street. According to the academic tradition, scholars had to live together, so the colleges provided not only premises for lectures and classes, but also accommodation for faculty mem- bers. During the 15th century, the University underwent rapid development and entered a golden age. In this MUSEUMS, COLLECTIONS AND HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY OF THE JAGIELLONIAN ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS MUSEUMS, period, Kraków was especially renowned for the studies in mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and law, which most probably attracted one of its most famous stu- dents Nicolaus Copernicus, who enrolled in 1491. The University graduates were highly valued at royal courts, not only in Poland, but also in other European coun- tries. In the second half of the 15th century 44 percent History of Kraków students came from abroad, mainly from 6 number of female students of the University was stead- ily rising. In the academic year 1913/14 they already con- stituted 25 percent of all students. The revival of Polish statehood after the World War I opened a new chapter in the University’s history. De- spite the difficult economic situation of the Second Polish Republic, the institution continued its efforts towards development and modernisation. A new fac- ulty (of agriculture) as well as new fields of study were established.