University of Zurich, Zürich

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Zürich's University was founded in 1833 and has enjoyed an excellent reputation ever since. Currently about 24,000 students are enrolled. The main building was constructed 1911-14 according to plans of well-known architect Karl Moser. The architecture is an excellent example for south German/Swiss Art Nouveau that is rather strict and and lacks the more playful, rich decor known from other countries.

The main building is one of Zürich's landmarks, especially with the tower which is visible from almost anywhere in the city and from the lake. I highly recommend you have a look inside, at least see the main hall. It is very impressive with the huge staircase, the amazing glass roof and the arcades that surround the hall on each floor, with their columns appearing like cloisters. Please take notice of the works of art also, like the embossments (main hall, ground level where the cafeteria is) or the frescos and mosaic works by famous artists like Giacometti and Hodler and others.

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Photos:
1. Moschus Ox from Greenland
2. Skeleton of a Neotropis
3. Special exhibit on mass extinctions
4. Skeleton of a mastodon
5. Zoological Museum from the outside

The Zoological Museum belongs to the University of Zürich. When I was there they had a special exhibition on mass extinctions (third photo). This was very instructive because it turns out that in the history of life on this planet there have been at least seven mass extinctions, during which at least 95% of the then-existing species died out.

This was surprising to me because up to now I only knew about two of them, the one 65 million years ago that killed off the dinosaurs (thus giving us mammals the chance to multiply and take over their territory), and the one that is going on right now as we humans kill off more and more species every year.

But it turns out that the greatest mass extinction of all (up to now) was one that occurred 250 million years ago, probably caused by huge volcanic eruptions.

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The main building of Zürich university with its characteristic tower, not to be confounded wth the ETH (Swiss Technical University) which is situated next door, overlooks the city and is visible from afar. The art nouveau building was erected in 1908-1914, designed and supervised by architect Karl Moser.
Moser and his compagnon Robert Curjel, both of Swiss origin, had their studio in Karlsruhe (HA!), Curjel & Moser were well known as art nouveau architects in Southern Germany and Switzerland.

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The main building of the ETH (Swiss Technical University) was designed by Gottfried Semper, one of the most important architects of his time, in the mid-19th century. He used the style of the Italian renaissance, which was considered the appropriate style for science and education buildings.

The building is open in the daytime (not sure about Sundays, though). Walk in to see the beautiful vestibules and the impressive main hall.

The terrace towards the valley offers a great view of Zürich's old town.

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The Polyterasse is a popular viewpoint in front of the main building of the University of Technology (ETH). From here you can enjoy scenic views of Zurich's Old Town and the Lake Zurich.

As well as that you can have a look at the buildings of the ETH Zurich, which was inaugurated in 1855 and celebrated its 150 anniversary in 2005.

Directions:
The Polyterasse and the ETH Zurich are situated on a little hill east of the main train station. On workdays you can get there by the funicular Polybahn. The ETH is also served by the trams 6, 9 and 10.

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It is located up on the hill on the East bank. You can also get here by a XIX century cable car, as well as a modern tram. The campus houses an archeological museum with antiquites from the Middle East, but unfortunately I didn't have time to see it.

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I was attracted by the medical musuem and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw there. From the top, you can have a nice view of the Zurich town. The university musuems have a wide collections of fossils and antiques that brings you back into history. I spend half a day just in the musuems. You can also take the POLYBAHN up and down the slope that links the city to the university. It works like an elevator and takes you to the terrace where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The musuems' entrance is free so please dont be conned into paying entrance fees.(Jun 2006)

The univesity and the famous ETH are lying on top of the hill that is overlooking Zurich. The view from the Polyterrassen is wonderful. But you also can study here, in one of European best known universities. The inside of he fully renovated Uni is just beautiful I think. This is the view into the large hall.