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LMU Munich celebrates 200 years in the city with a historic inauguration

From Jesuit roots to global prestige, LMU's 200-year Munich journey reaches a new chapter. A historic inauguration crowns its transformation into Europe's elite.

The image shows an old map of the city of Munich, Germany from 1849. It is a detailed map with text...
The image shows an old map of the city of Munich, Germany from 1849. It is a detailed map with text and numbers, providing a comprehensive overview of the area.

Munich University LMU is actually a 'Zuagroaste' - LMU Munich celebrates 200 years in the city with a historic inauguration

Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) will mark a major milestone on 3 February, celebrating 200 years since its move to Munich. The event will also see the inauguration of its new president, Matthias Tschöp. Founded in 1472, the institution has grown from a small regional university to one of Europe's leading academic centres.

LMU's origins trace back to 1472, when Ludwig IX, Duke of Bavaria-Landshut, established it in Ingolstadt. The location was chosen because founding a university required papal approval at the time. For over two centuries, the institution remained under strong Jesuit influence, known for its conservative teachings.

In 1800, threats from French forces during the Napoleonic Wars forced the university to relocate to Landshut. The move also aimed to modernise its reputation, shifting away from its Jesuit-led past. Two years later, in 1802, it was officially renamed Ludovico-Maximilianea during its inauguration in the new city. The most significant change came in 1826, when King Ludwig I of Bavaria decided to centralise cultural institutions in the capital. He ordered the university's transfer to Munich, bringing around 1,000 students with it. This relocation was part of a broader reform of Bavaria's education system.

From its early days in Ingolstadt to its current status in Munich, LMU has expanded dramatically. It now hosts nearly 55,000 students and draws leading international researchers. The anniversary highlights its long journey from a regional school to a globally recognised university.

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