Another public lecture and guided tour of the University of Zielona Góra’s historic Rectorate Building has successfully taken place as part of the University’s 25th anniversary celebrations. On 21 May, the University once again opened its doors to residents of Zielona Góra and the surrounding region, inviting them to discover its history, heritage, and academic community. The event attracted visitors of all ages, many of whom were eager to explore the remarkable architecture and rich history of the building that now serves as the University’s headquarters.
Among the visitors were former pupils of the primary school that once operated at 9 Licealna Street, the current home of the University’s administration. “After thirty years abroad, I finally returned to Poland. I lived in Philadelphia and throughout that time I dreamed of coming back home. Whenever I visited, my friends and I would take photographs in front of the main entrance, and I always said that one day I wanted to step inside again. This was our school, the place where lifelong friendships began. Walking through the building today made me feel fifty years younger. The memories came flooding back. I especially remembered the Assembly Hall, where school ceremonies and our graduation took place. It was a dream come true to return and revisit those memories,” recalled Ms Jagoda. “I remember this building as a rather grey and gloomy place, and even the sports field was far from inviting. That was back in the 1980s. Today, however, it is elegant and beautifully restored. The transformation is truly impressive,” added Ms Wanda.
As in previous editions, students from the University’s Institute of History served as guides, introducing visitors to the history and architectural features of the building. Participants had the opportunity to experience the ceremonial atmosphere of the University Senate Hall, admire its distinctive stained-glass windows, and view the University’s academic insignia and rectorial gowns.
“I graduated in civil engineering from the former Military School of Engineering, and the renovation of this building was carried out by a company I know well. I also have a personal connection to education—my mother was a teacher, and so is my wife. I wanted to see what the building looks like today. It is a fascinating historical site. If I remember correctly, this was also where some of the first organised gymnastics classes for girls were held. The restoration has been done beautifully,” said Mr Juliusz. “It is a wonderful initiative, and we learned so many interesting things. For example, I had no idea that local history included stories about witches and a nearby pond. These stories deserve much wider recognition because they are truly fascinating and demonstrate the continuity and evolution of local history,” commented Ms Iwona.
One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to visit the Rector’s Office, located within the historic Rectorate Building, where the University’s most important decisions are made and where the Rector welcomes official guests. Visitors were able to admire historic furniture dating back to the era of the former Zielona Góra University of Technology, sit in the Rector’s chair, and even sample the favourite sweets of Professor Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra.
“I dared to sit in the Rector’s chair, and I must admit it was very comfortable—soft and, I think, made of leather. I also tried one of the sweets, and I really liked it. I think it had a nut flavour,” said Julek, who attended the tour together with his parents and brother.
An equally important part of the event was the public lecture delivered by Professor Marceli Tureczek from the Institute of History. Entitled History in Contemporary Popular Music: From Chopin to Sabaton, the lecture guided participants through the connections between historical events, cultural memory, and music. “History is often perceived as a difficult academic discipline and, by some, as an uninteresting one. In reality, it is incredibly engaging. Today I wanted to demonstrate that we can also discover our history through music. From Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Penderecki to Rammstein, Pink Floyd, and Kult, and even the writings of Julian Tuwim, which can be surprisingly punk-rock in spirit. The worlds of history and music are closely intertwined. Our past is filled with symbolism, and music frequently draws inspiration from it,” explained the Director of the Institute of History.
“We thoroughly enjoyed it. The lecture was engaging and thought-provoking. We had no idea that some of the songs we listen to regularly were connected to such fascinating historical contexts. We were very impressed by the speaker’s knowledge of both history and music—it was a wonderful combination,” said Ms Magdalena and Mr Leszek.
“The lecture was excellent, and the music selections were fantastic. Professor Tureczek possesses extraordinary knowledge and shared it in a very accessible and captivating way. It was definitely worth attending, both for the lecture and the tour,” added Ms Grażyna.
The public lecture and tours of the historic Rectorate Building formed part of the University of Zielona Góra’s 25th anniversary celebrations. However, these events are only some of the attractions planned for the jubilee year. On 14 June, the University will once again welcome residents and visitors to join the celebrations during the Science Festival, which will take place at Theatre Square in Zielona Góra.
