University of Basel main building
Historic University of Basel main building, founded 1460, featuring stunning murals and accessible campus spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the terrace
University of Basel main building
Best Time
Enjoy the terrace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic University of Basel main building, founded 1460, featuring stunning murals and accessible campus spaces.
"Admire the nice murals and wall paintings; the building is publicly accessible with a nice terrace."
🎨 Admire the Art
Don't miss the beautiful murals and wall paintings inside; they're a hidden artistic treasure!
☕ Campus Coffee Quirks
Coffee machines require a university card; cash and credit cards aren't accepted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Murals
Interior walls
Admire the beautiful murals and wall paintings that add artistic flair to the university's historic interiors.
Accessible Campus Terrace
Outdoor terrace
Enjoy a break on the campus terrace, complete with tables and umbrellas, accessible even in summer.
Grand Lecture Halls
Lecture halls
Experience the atmosphere of learning in well-equipped lecture halls with classic wooden seating.
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Planning Your Visit
Explore Basel's Architectural Gem
Art & Architecture Enthusiast's Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Admire the Art
Don't miss the beautiful murals and wall paintings inside; they're a hidden artistic treasure!
☕ Campus Coffee Quirks
Coffee machines require a university card; cash and credit cards aren't accepted.
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
The main building and campus are publicly accessible, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
🏛️ Architectural Interest
Great for architecture buffs, with a mix of historic and functional spaces.
Architecture in Basel
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Admire the Art
Don't miss the beautiful murals and wall paintings inside; they're a hidden artistic treasure!
☕ Campus Coffee Quirks
Coffee machines require a university card; cash and credit cards aren't accepted.
🚶♀️ Explore Freely
The main building and campus are publicly accessible, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
🏛️ Architectural Interest
Great for architecture buffs, with a mix of historic and functional spaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the University of Basel main building for its accessible campus, historic architecture, and beautiful interior murals. The terrace offers a pleasant spot to relax. However, some find the payment system for campus amenities restrictive, requiring a university card.
"Main building of the university with lecture halls and administration. It is publicly accessible even during summer and has a nice terrace with tables and umbrellas. Unfortunately the coffee machines don't take coins or credit card, only the university card."
Oliver Engist
"Great campus. Great audio and presentation equipment for paralel sessions of 2019 IHEA. Seating is also OK with these old fashioned wood seats, but clean and neat. Great job for organizing committee and Campus management."
Edhie RAHMAT
"One of the main building of the University of Basel. The nice murals and wall paintings is worth stopping by for a bit."
Michael Wu PhD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main building is centrally located in Basel and easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 1, 2, 8, 11, and 15 stop nearby at the 'Universität' station. It's also a pleasant walk from Basel SBB train station.
Public parking is limited in the immediate vicinity. It's recommended to use public transportation or park at a central Basel parking garage and walk or take a tram.
Yes, the main building is publicly accessible, allowing visitors to explore common areas and admire its architecture and art.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general entry to the main building and its public areas is free. You can explore the campus and admire the architecture without a ticket.
The building is generally accessible to the public during daytime hours, though specific access to certain areas might be restricted during lectures or events. It's known to be accessible even during summer.
While common areas, hallways, and the terrace are accessible, certain administrative offices, private lecture halls, or research labs may require special permission or be restricted to students and staff.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can admire the historic architecture, including impressive murals and wall paintings. The campus also features lecture halls and a terrace.
Yes, the building offers opportunities for architectural photography, especially with its historic facade and interior murals. The terrace also provides a pleasant backdrop.
Official guided tours specifically for the main building might be limited. However, the building's accessibility allows for self-guided exploration of its public spaces.
While the building has lecture halls and administration, visitor amenities like coffee machines may require a university card for use.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There are coffee machines available on campus, but they exclusively accept the university card and do not take coins or credit cards.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food. The campus terrace provides tables and umbrellas, making it a nice spot to enjoy a packed lunch.
The university is located in a central area of Basel, so there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries within walking distance for a wider selection of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the exterior architecture, the interior murals and wall paintings, and the campus terrace. The classic lecture hall seating can also make for interesting shots.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public areas. However, it's always advisable to be discreet and avoid disrupting any ongoing academic activities.
Architectural photography, capturing the historic facade and interior details, is popular. Some visitors also enjoy photographing the campus atmosphere and the art within.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ Architecture & Art Lovers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully immerse yourself in the details without crowds. The building's accessibility allows for a self-guided tour, perfect for art and architecture enthusiasts who enjoy discovering details at their own pace. Don't forget to check out the terrace for a different perspective of the campus.
🚶♂️ Solo Explorers & History Buffs
Take advantage of the quiet moments to appreciate the details – the craftsmanship of the architecture, the stories within the art, and the echoes of famous alumni like Erasmus and Carl Jung. The campus terrace is also a great spot for quiet contemplation or to simply observe the daily life of the university.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Art
Beyond the art, the building houses lecture halls that have witnessed countless academic discussions. These spaces, often featuring classic wooden seating, evoke a sense of tradition and intellectual heritage. The university's prestigious alumni, including figures like Erasmus and Carl Jung, add to the aura of the place, connecting visitors to a legacy of scholarship. Exploring these halls offers a tangible link to the intellectual history of Basel.
For those seeking a moment of respite or a pleasant spot to observe campus life, the accessible campus terrace is a notable feature. Equipped with tables and umbrellas, it provides a welcoming environment to relax, especially during the warmer months. This blend of historical architecture, artistic expression, and functional campus spaces makes the University of Basel main building a unique destination.
Navigating Campus Amenities
For visitors planning to spend a significant amount of time on campus or wishing to utilize these amenities, it's worth considering this limitation. While the building itself is freely accessible for exploration, the use of specific services is integrated into the university's internal system. This detail, often discovered upon arrival, can be a minor point of friction for tourists expecting standard payment methods.
Despite this, the overall experience of visiting the main building remains positive, especially for those interested in architecture and history. The publicly accessible nature of the campus, even during summer, allows for leisurely exploration and appreciation of the surroundings. The terrace, in particular, offers a pleasant outdoor space to enjoy the campus atmosphere.
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