About LMU Munich

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is a leading research university in Europe. Since its founding in 1472 it has been committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching.

People at LMU

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At LMU, we thrive on the specialist knowledge, the diverse perspectives and the curiosity of our students, faculty members and administrative staff.

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Organizational structure and leadership

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Key facts

Students

52972
students were enrolled at LMU in the winter semester 2023/24.

Professors

835
professors performed research and taught at LMU and its Hospital in the year 2023.

Sponsored research funds

329
million euros is the total amount of sponsored research funds (including "University of Excellence") acquired by LMU and its Hospital to support research and teaching in 2023.

The life and times of the University

Founded in 1472, LMU developed over the epochs to one of the best universities in Europe. Today, LMU enjoys an outstanding reputation.

  1. Prof. Dr. Bernd Huber

1472

Bavaria's first university

Duke Ludwig IX the Wealthy of Bavaria-Landshut founds Bavaria's first university in Ingolstadt. Learn more

© LMU

1492

Konrad Celtis, one of the leading humanists of the day, joins the faculty. Learn more

© Stadtarchiv Ingolstadt

1494

Duke George the Wealthy of Bavaria-Landshut endows the Georgianum to enable less well-off canidates to study Theology. Learn more

1507

Johannes Aventinus lectures on Mathematics, Astronomy and the works of Cicero in Ingolstadt. Learn more

1510

Theologian Johannes Eck, one of Martin Luther’s most implacable opponents, is appointed to a professorship. Learn more

© Stadtarchiv Ingolstadt

1549

In November 1549, Petrus Canisius and two of his fellow-Jesuits arrive at the University. Learn more

1588

Jakob Gretser takes up his teaching duties at the Jesuit College in Munich. Learn more

© Stadtarchiv Ingolstadt

1610

The Jesuit Christoph Scheiner begins to teach Mathematics and Hebrew at Ingolstadt University. Learn more

© Stadtarchiv Ingolstadt

1702

Johann Adam Freiherr von Ickstatt is appointed Director of the University. Learn more

© Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften

1776

The Illuminati, a secret society dedicated to the goals of the radical Enlightenment, is founded in Ingolstadt. Learn more

© Konstantin Dobeleit

1800

The University moves from Ingolstadt to Landshut, and takes up residence in the former Dominican monastery. Learn more

1826

Shortly before its removal to Munich, LMU has 1,000 students. Learn more

© Stadtarchiv Landshut

1826

During the reign of King Ludwig I LMU is transferred from Landshut to Munich. Learn more

© anshar73/fotolia

1827

Joseph Görres and Friedrich Schelling join the faculty at LMU. Learn more

© Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München

1830

Founder’s Day is celebrated for the first time to commemorate the founding of LMU and highlight its contributions to research. Learn more

© LMU

1830

In response to student protests, King Ludwig I orders the temporary closure of the University. Learn more

© LMU

1840

King Ludwig I commissions Friedrich von Gärtner to design a representative new building for the University. Learn more

1847

Max von Pettenkofer is appointed Professor and later sets up the first Institute of Hygiene in Germany at LMU. Learn more

© Bayerische Staatsbibliothek München

1848

The King‘s relationship with Lola Montez triggers rioting and leads to the closure of the University. Learn more

1852

On the recommendation of Max von Pettenkofer, Justus von Liebig receives a Chair at LMU. Learn more

1852

The Maximilianeum is set up to prepare gifted students for senior administrative positions. Learn more

1900

The first women are admitted to doctoral programs at LMU. The first woman to complete the Habilitation does so in 1918. Learn more

© LMU

1905

The 1905 Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to Adolf von Baeyer, who becomes the second of LMU’s Nobel Laureates. Learn more

1918

The first Students’ Representative Body is founded at LMU. Learn more

1919

Max Weber, one of the few professors in sympathy with the new Republic, joins the LMU faculty. Learn more

1925

Richard Willstätter, renowned chemist and Nobel Laureate, resigns in protest against anti-Semitic agitation. Learn more

1933

LMU students take part in the book-burning on Königsplatz. Learn more

1942

Members of the White Rose group issue leaflets calling for resistance against the Nazi regime. Learn more

© LMU / Jan Greune

1944

Munich, including the LMU, suffers severe bombing. Over 70% of the city’s buildings are destroyed. Learn more

1945

Albert Rehm is named Provisional Rector of LMU, following the closure of the University by the American authorities. Learn more

1946

LMU formally reopens on 23 July. It is the last university in the American Zone to do so. Learn more

1973

LMU has 28,500 registered students and employs 9,255 people. Learn more

© LMU

1974

The new Higher Education Act (Hochschulgesetz) abolishes the Students’ Unions. Learn more

1995

The ‘Landshuter Freundeskreis’ is formed as an integral part of the Munich University Association. Learn more

2005

Theodor W. Hänsch shares the Nobel Prize for Physics 2005 with two American researchers. Learn more

© imago images/imagebroker

2006

A presidential system of governance is again introduced: Rector Bernd Huber becomes President. Learn more

© LMU

2006

LMU does very well in the first phase of the Excellence Initiative. Learn more

© Tamara Stangl

2012

In the second phase of the Excellence Initiative, LMU emerges as the most successful participant. Learn more

© LMU

2019

LMU funded as University of Excellence Learn more

© LMU

LMU and the world

LMU cooperates with 600 partners on all five continents. And LMU is also cosmopolitan at home: people from more than 130 countries study, teach and research together on campus.

International network

The university in the heart of Munich

A center for scholarship and culture

Our campuses are strategically located throughout Munich. As a focal point of scholarship and culture, LMU occupies a pivotal position in an unusually dense network of research institutions, universities and business firms in Munich.

LMU from above

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