The ‘One Hundred and Five’ (Sto 5) exhibition, organised by the Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM) Museum, will be hosted at the Museum of Applied Arts (Muzeum Sztuk Użytkowych) in the Royal Castle of Poznań from 4th October to 1st December 2024. This event commemorates the 105th anniversary of UAM, one of Poland’s leading educational institutions. The exhibition is held under the patronage of the rectors of four Poznań universities: UAM, the Eugeniusz Piasecki Academy of Physical Education, the Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, and the University of Life Sciences, along with the President of the Poznań Society of Friends of Learning (Poznańskie Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Nauk).
A Journey Through Academic History
The “One Hundred and Five” exhibition takes visitors on a rich historical journey through the traditions and symbols of the university, divided into five thematic blocks. Among the most significant exhibits is the reconstruction of the sceptre of UAM’s first rector, Professor Heliodor Święcicki, crafted by Grzegorz Godawa. This sceptre serves as a centrepiece of the exhibition, around which the story of the university’s academic symbols and ceremonial practices unfolds.
Visitors will also have the chance to peek inside a dormitory room from the 1970s, decode the mysterious symbols found on student caps, and explore old scientific equipment that played a vital role in past academic research. These exhibits not only highlight the university’s long-standing history but also shed light on student life and the development of research over the decades.
Event Calendar: Lectures and Panels to Accompany “One Hundred and Five”
Throughout October and November, the “One Hundred and Five” exhibition will be accompanied by a series of engaging lectures and panels, offering visitors deeper insights into the history and traditions of Adam Mickiewicz University. Here’s a look at the key events:
- 10th October, 17:00 – “With the Sceptre in the Background: On Symbols and University Ceremonies”
Led by Professor Andrzej Gulczyński, this lecture will explore the rich academic symbols that define UAM, including sceptres, gowns, and the various rituals associated with academic life. Attendees will gain a better understanding of university traditions, from graduation ceremonies to the awarding of honorary doctorates, and how these practices shape the identity of the institution. The lecture will be followed by a guided tour of the exhibition, offering an in-depth look at the academic artefacts on display.
- 17th October, 17:00 – “In the Professor’s Office: Academic Staff of UAM from 1919 to 2024”
Historian and UAM professor Tomasz Schramm will delve into the personal and professional lives of the university’s academic staff across more than a century. Drawing on his deep family roots in academia, Professor Schramm will discuss the challenges and achievements of UAM professors, providing unique stories about the professors who have shaped the institution since its inception. His talk will offer a rare glimpse into the lives of these influential figures, connecting them to broader social and historical developments.
- 7th November, 17:00 – “In the Laboratory and in the Field: Research by Poznań Geographers”
This lecture, presented by Professor Grzegorz Rachlewicz, will focus on the groundbreaking research conducted by UAM’s geographers. The talk will highlight key scientific expeditions, both in Poland and internationally, where Poznań scholars made significant contributions to environmental and geographic studies. From lab work to field research in diverse climates and terrains, this event will showcase the rich history of scientific exploration by UAM’s geography department.
- 21st November, 17:00 – “At the Exam and in the Dormitory: Student Life at UAM”
Professor Piotr Okulewicz will offer an engaging lecture on the everyday life of UAM students from 1919 to the present. The talk will explore both the academic pressures and the social aspects of student life, including exam rituals, dormitory experiences, and evolving traditions within the student body. A fascinating comparison between past and present, this lecture will shed light on how the student experience has transformed over the university’s 105-year history.
- 28th November, 17:00 – “The Magnificent Five” – A Panel Discussion
Moderated by Grażyna Wrońska, this dynamic panel will feature five prominent UAM alumni, who will share their professional journeys and personal experiences at the university. Each speaker represents a different field of study and career path, offering diverse perspectives on how UAM shaped their lives. This discussion will provide inspiration for current and future students, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of a UAM education.
These events will all take place at the Museum of Applied Arts in Poznań. Entry is included with the exhibition ticket, making it a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in UAM’s history.
Celebrating 105 Years of the Adam Mickiewicz University
The “One Hundred and Five” exhibition is part of the 105th anniversary celebrations of Adam Mickiewicz University, an institution that has shaped the academic landscape of Poznań and Poland for over a century. By showcasing the rich history of UAM through significant artefacts, documents, and ceremonial objects, the exhibition highlights the university’s profound influence on both education and culture.
The exhibition’s thematic blocks allow visitors to engage with different aspects of the university’s past, from scientific discoveries to student life and academic rituals. For example, the recreation of the 1970s dormitory offers a nostalgic glimpse into the life of students from that era, while the academic caps with their intricate symbols illustrate the traditions and customs passed down through generations of students.
The exhibition is open to the public until 1st December 2024, with affordable entry tickets to ensure accessibility for students, scholars, and history enthusiasts alike. Entry to the exhibition is included in the Museum of Applied Arts ticket price: standard tickets are 20 zł, reduced tickets are 13 zł, student tickets are 1 zł, and children under 7 enter for free.
The “One Hundred and Five” exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of one of Poland’s most prominent universities through fascinating artefacts, interactive displays, and insightful lectures. Whether you are a current student, a proud alum, or someone with a passion for academic history, this exhibition is a must-visit!
