Science history was written in the magnificent buildings around Bebelplatz: Wilhelm von Humboldt founded the first modern university in the German-speaking world here in 1810. Its guiding principle - the unity of research and teaching - is an ideal that continues to have an impact and be emulated throughout the world to this day. Wilhelm's brother, Alexander von Humboldt, is also associated with the university. He gave his famous "Cosmos Lectures" here.
Under National Socialism, the university was brought into line. In 1933, books were burnt on Bebelplatz. Among the arsonists were professors and students from what was then Friedrich Wilhelm University. After the end of the Second World War, the Berliner Universit?t was renamed Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin in 1949. In the GDR, the university was ideologically controlled but still home to important academics. After reunification, a new chapter began: Humboldt-Universit?t was reformed, opened up - and internationally networked.
Today, the campus combines past and present: historically impressive buildings such as the Main Building, the Faculty of Law and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit stand side by side with modernised seminar rooms, digital learning platforms and a student life that is as diverse as the city itself.