The Eötvös Loránd University Library and Archives – University History Collection has become a museum institution of public interest by the decision of the Minister of Culture and Innovation.
The ELTE University Library and Archives has been regularly collecting and keeping together the University History Collection since 1985, preserving valuable objects and relics of the history of Hungary's largest and oldest university, which are also part of our national cultural heritage. Their preservation and accessibility provide an opportunity to promote the social use of the university heritage, to incorporate university legacy into education, and to use the university heritage for knowledge transfer, scientific and educational purposes.
The idea of establishing a university history museum at Eötvös Loránd University, founded in 1635 by Péter Pázmány, was first mooted more than a century ago. To realise our goals, in 2022 our institution created a permanent exhibition on the history of the University entitled Book, Robe, Science. The strengthening of our museum activities within the legal framework will contribute significantly to increasing the accessibility of the University's historical heritage. More information about our outreach programmes is available on our website. Our conservation and preservation work can be supported through the Foundation for the University Library.