They have characterised the campus for exactly 150 years: the institute buildings for Chemistry at Universitätsplatz 1 and for Physics at Universitätsplatz 5 are celebrating their birthdays in 2025. In the 1870s, the Physics Building was considered to be one of the most advanced of its time: Observation louvres made it possible to direct sunlight for optical experiments. Experiment tables could be mechanically decoupled from the building by insulated columns in the floor. Iron-free laboratories for galvanometric measurements and specially insulated rooms for thermal investigations were set up.
The story continues right next door. Just a few metres away from the historic building, the Graz Center of Physics is one of the most modern research centres in Austria. Following the spectacular demolition of the former pre-clinic, the architecturally impressive complex will begin to rise in the spring.
Construction workers are also at work directly opposite: the former medical institute building for hygiene and forensic medicine is being converted into the House of Educational Sciences. Completion is planned for 2027.
However, the opening is already planned for this year. The Institute of Human Movement Sciences, Sport and Health will take up work in the former, completely renovated Jesuit refectory on Rosenhain from the 2025/26 winter semester. With 50 workstations, a lecture theatre and seminar rooms for almost 300 people as well as event rooms with modern equipment on a total of five floors, the Jesuit Refectory will expand the infrastructure of the University of Graz.