26. Wilhelm von Humboldt

What is a good education? This question was the starting point for Wilhelm von Humboldt, who created a modern education system for Prussia. Although he never went to school himself. He studied under private tutors, which was the traditional way of leaning for the aristocracy. And Wilhelm von Humboldt became an eminent scholar. His experience shaped his ideal of a good education: A teacher should teach his pupils how to learn. They should understand how to acquire knowledge. Therefore, when school ends the teacher becomes superfluous. Based on this idea, Humboldt developed a new educational system and the modern grammar school. Many states adopted his concept. Berlin also owes Humboldt its University. It was established in 1809 with the aim to combine research and teaching. Named after its founder the Humboldt University today is located in the heart of the city. And Wilhelm von Humboldts’ ideas of a good education continue to shape universities and schools.

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Märkisches Museum

Due to the current circumstances we invite you to take a digital tour through the permanent exhibition BerlinZEIT. The Stadtmuseum Berlin presents at Märkisches Museum a host of artefacts related to the culture and history of the city. A strong level of civic engagement had already led to the foundation of the Museum in 1874. From 1899 to 1908 architect Ludwig Hoffmann designed this first city museum in the world.