The arcade courtyard

Memories and nostalgia

The design for the arcade courtyard of the University of Vienna is a matter for the boss. Architect Heinrich von Ferstel, creates it personally. It is based on the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

The 154 monuments to significant scientists and scholars which border the arcade courtyard are well-known. Among them are 9 Nobel Prize Laureates which the University of Vienna has yielded. And a single woman, the poetess Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach. To draw attention to this situation a large-than-life female silhouette appears in the stone floor of the arcade courtyard from 2009 on.

The monuments in the arcade courtyard of the University of Vienna are decided upon by the college of the respective faculty. The Senate of the university then approves or rejects the addition. Since 2001 the Rector of the University of Vienna has had the final say in the erection of monuments.

The 154th and latest bust to be added is that of philosopher Sir Karl Popper in 2002.