To mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus, a special exhibition curated by Prof. Aleksander Skotnicki entitled 'Nicolaus Copernicus and the Jagiellonian University on Kraków postcards and postage stamps from Poland and around the world' was opened on 26 April in JU Collegium Maius.
The exhibiton was opened with a short speech on the topic of the great astronomer's ties to the Jagiellonian University delivered the Director of the JU Museum Prof. Krzysztof Stopka. Later, Prof. Aleksander Skotnicki presented the three main themes of the exhibition: the 500th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival the took place in 1900, the 400th anniversary of Copernicus' death celebrated under the Nazi German occupation, and the 500th anniversary of the brith of Nicolaus Copernicus in 1973.
The exhibition showcases part of a collection that features items such as century-old postcards issued by the Kraków Polish Painters’ Salon showing university buildings as well as the statue of Nicolaus Copernicus standing in the courtyard of Collegium Maius, the unveiling of which was an important event during the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival in 1900. Other exhibits include postage stamps and first day of issue covers with stamps bearing the image of Nicolaus Copernicus from both Poland and abroad. The exhibition allows attendees to look at the great astronomer and his work on heliocentric theory in the context of rich iconography from around the world.
The exhibition is held in the cellars of Collegium Maius from Monday to Sunday between 9.00 a.m. and 5.30. p.m. Admission is free.
