Curious about how the Julius-Maximilians-Universit\u00e4t mitigates the shortage of space? Then listen carefully. The Neue Universit\u00e4t. also called Sanderuni, stands before us. It serves as the main building of the Julius-Maximilians-Universit\u00e4t. It is located at Sanderring 2.
In the late 19th century the university experienced a surge. Student numbers soared. The Old University on Domerschulstra\u00dfe became too small. Additional institute buildings at R\u00f6ntgenring were also insufficient.
Professor Georg von Schanz submitted a request in 1885 for a new building. He wanted airier rooms for students instead of books. The Old University lacked lecture halls.
Rudolf von Horstig designed the Neue Universit\u00e4t in the Neo-Baroque style. Construction spanned from 1892 to 1896. The building was officially inaugurated on October 28 1896.
The senate named it Neue Universit\u00e4t. It was meant to house the Kollegienhaus. This included the university’s main building with all its offices. Lecture halls for theology, law and philosophy were also planned.
Look above the main entrance. See the over-dimensional Prometheus figure group? Hubert Netzer a Munich sculptor created it. Prometheus holds high the torches of intellectual progress. He confronts the dark forces of ignorance. This represents the pursuit of truth and justice.
Below the statue is a bronze plaque. It reads “Veritati”. This means “Devoted to truth”. Or “To truth, committed”. Theologian Herman Schell chose this motto. He was the university’s rector.
During World War II the Neue Universit\u00e4t faced destruction. On March 16 1945 bombing raids devastated the city. The figure of Prometheus lost its head. Cleanup and reconstruction began in the summer of 1945. Volunteers helped. By autumn 1946 teaching resumed in makeshift spaces.
In 1960 the University Building Authority officially handed over the Neue Universit\u00e4t. Student numbers grew again. More space became necessary. A fourth wing was added. It was completed between 1966 and 1973. The new wing created a large hall in the middle. It is the present-day Lichthof.
Today the Neue Universit\u00e4t remains central. It houses the Faculty of Economics since 1968. You will find lecture, seminar and administrative rooms here. The sub-libraries for Theology and Economics are here too.
The Auditorium Maximum, or Audimax offers 424 seats. The former gymnasium is now a cafeteria. The University President’s office occupies a former lecture hall on the first floor.
Note the two busts on the facade above the main entrance. One depicts Julius Echter. He is the second founder of the university. The other is Prinzregent Luitpold of Bavaria. A bust of the first founder Johann von Egloffstein is above the side entrance.
The building was initially asymmetrical. An addition made in 1915-1918 created equally sized side wings.
The Neue Universit\u00e4t stands as a testament to W\u00fcrzburg’s commitment to education. It embodies the pursuit of knowledge. It symbolizes resilience. It is a place where truth is paramount.