Ever wondered where Freiberg’s brightest minds gather? This is the Audimax. It stands as a testament to Freiberg’s rich academic history. Let’s delve into the story of this iconic building.
The Audimax isn’t just a lecture hall. It’s a hub of knowledge and culture. AG Kino, a student film group, has been screening movies here for over 70 years. Every Monday during the lecture period, the lights dim. The cinema gong sounds. The stage curtain opens and the screen lights up. Students themselves choose the films. They watch trailers at the beginning of each semester’s first Monday during exam time. They then select their favorite films from different genres.
Interestingly, the Audimax’s technology room houses two 35 mm film projectors. These machines run original film reels. If you are curious, you can ask for a peek into this cinema “holy of holies” on a movie night. You might even be inspired to join the AG Kino team.
Beyond films, the Audimax serves as a venue for various events. The Collegium musicum holds concerts here. The hall fills with music. It becomes a space for artistic expression.
The building is part of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. This university has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1765, it aimed to boost Saxony’s economy after the Seven Years’ War. The focus was on using local resources. Training and research emphasized a close link between theory and practice. The Bergakademie quickly gained international recognition. It became a leading center for mining science. Other mining academies around the world were founded following its example.
Many famous scientists have been associated with the Bergakademie. Alexander von Humboldt was among the students here. The academy was home to discoverers of chemical elements. These include germanium and indium.
Abraham Gottlob Werner, a key figure at the Bergakademie, established geognosy. This field is a forerunner of geology. Werner’s work on mineral identification still influences researchers today.
August Wilhelm Lampadius, another professor, brought gas lighting to Freiberg. He installed a gas lantern on his house. He developed gas lighting for industrial use. Clemens Alexander Winkler isolated germanium here in 1886. Hieronymus Theodor Richter and Ferdinand Reich discovered indium in 1863.
Even the Romantic poet Novalis studied in Freiberg. Mining influenced his literary works. His writings explored the earth and human nature.
After World War II, the Bergakademie expanded. It added new degree programs. The student body changed. More women and students from worker backgrounds joined the university.
After 1990, the university adapted to the West German higher education system. It became a Technical University. Today, TU Bergakademie Freiberg excels in GEO, MATERIALS, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, and ECONOMICS. It leads in attracting research funding.
The Audimax embodies the spirit of Freiberg. It is a place of learning. It is a place of culture. It is a place where ideas converge. As you stand here, consider the countless lectures, films, and concerts that have taken place within these walls. The Audimax is more than just a building. It is a vibrant center of Freiberg’s intellectual life.