The celebration of the University’s 544th birthday in the Grand Auditorium will begin at 15:00 on 7 October.

It is now just six years until the 550th birthday and planning for that jubilee has already begun. Major jubilees require extensive preparation, as the University has long been aware, even if the time allotted can sometimes still turn out too short.

Before the University’s quadricentennial in 1877, the idea arose of celebrating the jubilee in a new university building. The need for a new assembly hall was the primary reason for wanting a new university building. In the 19th century the great Carolina Hall in Carolina Rediviva was used for ceremonies and assemblies, but the University Library needed Carolina Hall for its expanding collections. The University also needed more lecture halls and administrative space.

Time ran out

The idea of a new university building arose in 1871 and a first proposal was ready to send to the Riksdag in 1876. The estimated cost exceeded one million kronor. However, the Riksdag only granted an appropriation of 740,000 kronor, adding explicitly that it would approve no further funds. In this situation, a new proposal was needed, but now there was too little time to make the university building ready in time for the jubilee in 1877. Instead, an architectural competition was announced during the year of the jubilee.

A building fit for the University’s dignity

The programme for the architectural competition in 1877 included the following directions: “In monumental terms, the University Building must be fully commensurate with the University’s dignity and requirements.” The programme describes what is needed, which includes eleven lecture halls, meeting rooms for the faculties then in existence and of course an assembly hall or auditorium to seat 2,000 people. The importance of acoustics is emphasised: “In the construction of the hall, particular attention is to be given to superior acoustic conditions.” Heating and ventilation are also given prominence: “Complete heating system and ventilation, not merely for the rooms, but also for the corridors and vestibules.”

If possible while keeping to the budget of 740,000 kronor, the building was also to incorporate an assembly room for the University Board, offices for the Vice-Chancellor, administration and archive rooms, bursary, porter’s lodge and three rooms and a kitchen for a caretaker.

Eleven proposals were submitted in the competition and the winning architect was Herman Teodor Holmgren – little known at the time and now. One interesting detail is that Holmgren’s proposal was the only entry in the competition to feature a monumental open staircase at the heart of the building. During the detailed planning phase, the proposal was substantially revised, with one important addition being the side staircases leading up to the upper floor of the foyer. This is how the staircases now used for the University’s processions came into being.

Enjoy the building

The new University Main Building opened in 1887, ten years after the quadricentennial. The building and the surrounding area are now classified as a historic building of national interest. Next time you visit the University Main Building, do take the time to enjoy it properly. The University Main Building is one of Sweden’s best-preserved edifices from the late 19th century and has escaped any major alterations.

Look up at the ceiling, study the walls, ornamentations and fittings. Walk up the staircase to the upper foyer and gaze around. The foyer, with its three cupolas, has been described as “one of the most distinguished spaces created in 19th century Swedish architecture.”

It is no surprise that details from the walls and ceiling are the source of images frequently used in the University’s communications.