Gustavianum, Uppsala

Nestled in the heart of Uppsala, Sweden, Gustavianum stands as a testament to the rich educational and cultural history of the city. This venerable building, now serving as a museum, was once the main building of Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Scandinavia.

Constructed in the 1620s under the reign of King Gustavus Adolphus, from whom it takes its name, Gustavianum has been an emblem of academic pursuit and enlightenment for centuries. After serving the academic community for years, it was transformed into a museum, ensuring the preservation of its historical significance and opening its doors to the public.

The museum's collections are as diverse as they are intriguing, showcasing everything from Egyptian sarcophagi to Nordic antiquities, and scientific instruments to art. One of the most notable features of Gustavianum is the Augsburg Art Cabinet, a 17th-century cabinet of curiosities filled with hundreds of items ranging from natural specimens to artistic masterpieces.

Perhaps the crown jewel of Gustavianum is the anatomical theatre, built in the 1660s by Olof Rudbeck the Elder. This theatre is one of the few remaining of its kind in the world, where medical students once gathered in the tiers of its steep amphitheatre to observe dissections and learn about the human body.

The museum also offers a glimpse into the academic heritage of Uppsala University through a variety of exhibitions that detail the history of the university and its significant contributions to education and research.