Exhibition at the Museum of the University of Wrocław
As part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the University of Wrocław, the exhibition “Our Masters. 80 Years of the Wrocław Alma Mater” will also be presented. It will open on Friday, 14 November, immediately following the main ceremony, at the Museum of the University of Wrocław, in the Hall under the Pillar (main University building, ground floor, Plac Uniwersytecki 1).
Prof. dr hab. Jan Harasimowicz, director of the Museum of the University of Wrocław, on the exhibition:
“Anniversaries always provide an occasion for formal reflection. In the case of higher education institutions, achievements are usually summarised by listing the academic staff’s output, measured by the number of publications in reputable journals or patents obtained, as well as teaching achievements, reflected in the number of bachelor’s and master’s graduates and the number of doctoral candidates promoted. Such listings, however, do not allow for a deeper characterisation of a university’s scientific and didactic profile, which depends first and foremost on its staff – especially those who shape academic life: outstanding female and male professors. It is around them that eager, knowledge-hungry students gather, with the most gifted among them later joining the academic staff.
Throughout its eighty-year history, the Polish University of Wrocław has been home to many remarkable figures – true Mistresses and Masters. They were present among the pioneers who shaped the University’s profile in the years 1945–1950, as well as among the next generation, who revived many academic disciplines following the political ‘thaw’ of 1956. In the 1960s, 1970s and beyond, our professors endeavoured to keep pace with international science. This required not only considerable sacrifice – which is normal in academic life – but also a certain entrepreneurial spirit. When financial limitations made it impossible to acquire the necessary scientific equipment, they built it themselves. When access to the latest publications was restricted for the same reasons, they developed various forms of collaboration with foreign research centres, including the exchange of books and photographic materials.
Our Mistresses and Masters shared their knowledge and experience with us. They recommended us to foreign colleagues, who in turn helped establish contact with important institutions and foundations. They supported our early academic efforts with kindness, yet did not hesitate to offer critical remarks when necessary. Those comments helped us refine our scholarly skills and strengthened our character.
The exhibition presents sixteen outstanding members of the University’s professorial staff from the years 1945–2025. Each contributed greatly to the development of scholarship, and each shaped a significant part of the young Polish intelligentsia. They were – and remain – Our Mistresses and Our Masters. It is worth remembering them; it is worth following the path they charted: the path of the highest humanistic values. May we be continually inspired by their love of truth, intellectual passion, and civic courage.
Challenging times call for true authorities. Across the eighty years of the Polish University in Wrocław, there have been many. We cannot present them all, but we hope that this selection – made through a democratic process involving the entire academic community – will meet with your approval.”
Date of publication: 12.10.2025
Added by: M.J.
