Aula Leopoldina

Aula Leopoldina is a grand baroque hall in the main building of the University of Wrocław, one of the most richly decorated interiors in the city. It is housed in the university building in the Old Town, surrounded by other heritage sites and museums in this part of Wrocław.

Founded by Emperor Leopold I

The hall was built between 1728 and 1732, funded by the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I of Habsburg, after whom it is named. The design was prepared by the architect Christophorus Tausch.

Frescoes, stucco and sculptures

The stucco work was made by Albrecht Siegwitz, and the ceiling and wall frescoes were painted by Johann Christoph Handke. One fresco depicts the dedication of the university to the Virgin Mary, while the other, placed above the auditorium, is allegorical in character and illustrates the apotheosis of Divine Wisdom. The wooden sculptures were made by Krzysztof Hollandt, their central motif being a group depicting Leopold I enthroned, surrounded by personifications of Prudence and Providence.

Theft of portraits and renovation

In 1997, eight of the sixteen portraits of people distinguished in service to the university, which hung in the hall, were stolen. Between 2015 and 2018 the interior underwent conservation work, after which the hall reopened on 21 March 2022.

Part of the university museum

Aula Leopoldina is part of the Museum of the University of Wrocław and serves as a grand ceremonial hall, hosting the university's most important ceremonies, including the matriculation of first-year students.

Nearby

The university building stands surrounded by other important sites of the Old Town. In the same building and right next door are the Museum of Man in Wrocław and the Museum of the Lubomirski Princes in Wrocław. A few hundred metres away stands the Basilica of St Elizabeth of Hungary, and towards the Oder a route leads to Plac Nowy Targ.

Practical information

• The entrance is through the main building of the University of Wrocław in the Old Town, a few hundred metres from the Market Square and the Town Hall.
• Visits take place as part of the ticket to the Museum of the University of Wrocław, together with the university's viewing tower.
• The hall is sometimes closed for university ceremonies, so it's worth checking its availability and opening hours on the museum's website before your visit.