Humboldt University of Berlin occupies a monumental building at Unter den Linden 6, between Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral. Built between 1748 and 1753 as a palace for Prince Heinrich, it became part of the University of Berlin in 1809. The entrance and foyer are worth seeing for their historic setting; look inside for a floor window overlooking an old library, and explore the courtyard for statues of physicists Max Planck and Lise Meitner. The university is also associated with Albert Einstein, who taught and worked here from 1915 to 1928.
From palace to university
The building at Unter den Linden 6 was constructed between 1748 and 1753 for Prince Heinrich, the younger brother of Frederick the Great. Designed by Johann Boumann in the Friderician Rococo style, it was known as the Palais des Prinzen Heinrich.
In 1809, the palace became part of the newly established University of Berlin. The institution took the name Humboldt University of Berlin in 1949.
Details inside the building
The entrance area and foyer are open to visitors, with historic architecture to look over as you pass through. A floor window gives a view down to an old library. Stained-glass windows depict cosmonauts, adding a later chapter to the building’s visual history.
Step into the courtyard to see statues of physicists Max Planck and Lise Meitner. Statues of the Humboldt brothers are kept indoors during winter.
Einstein and the university’s legacy
Albert Einstein taught and worked at Humboldt University from 1915 to 1928. The university is also associated with 29 Nobel laureates. Its historic halls and academic tradition are part of what makes a stop here interesting for visitors drawn to Berlin’s scientific and intellectual history.
More to explore nearby
The Humboldt Laboratory in the Humboldt Forum presents temporary exhibitions about current research and science. Its location opposite Museum Island makes it a separate stop to add if you want to explore research topics beyond the university building.
FAQ
Where is Humboldt University of Berlin?
The main building is at Unter den Linden 6 in Berlin, between Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral.
Can visitors go inside Humboldt University?
Visitors can see the entrance area and foyer. A floor window inside looks down onto an old library.
What should I see in the courtyard?
Look for the statues of physicists Max Planck and Lise Meitner. Statues of the Humboldt brothers are kept indoors during winter.
When did the building become a university?
The palace became part of the newly established University of Berlin in 1809. The institution was renamed Humboldt University of Berlin in 1949.
