Athena and her daughters

Inspiration is feminine! Since antiquity, embodiments of wisdom and creativity have been depicted as female figures. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and the arts, the nine Muses, the personification of science, or the representation of universities as "alma mater" (great mother) – they all bear the traits of femininity.

In contrast, women played no role in academia until well into the 20th century. They appeared only as professors' wives or daughters, or at most as charitable widows who established foundations. It wasn't until the late 19th century that women were tolerated as guest students, and from 1906 onward, they were permitted to enroll as students at Leipzig University. Throughout the more than 600-year history of Leipzig University, women have largely remained in the shadow of men. A prominent example is Luise Adelgunde Gottsched (1713–1762), who contributed significantly to her husband's success but worked behind the scenes. The exhibition now puts these women in the spotlight and shows how they shaped the university as benefactors, artists, students, and scholars.

Opening: April 29, 2026, 19 p.m., Felix Klein Lecture Hall (Paulinum, 5th floor)