Universitätsarchiv Universität Graz (Karl-Franzens-Universität)

History and Founding

The Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz (University of Graz) was founded on 1 January 1585 by Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria, making it the second oldest university in Austria. The formal foundation charter and ceremonial sceptre were presented on 14 April 1586. The university was operated by the Jesuits until 1773, reorganised as a lyceum under Emperor Joseph II in 1782, and re-established as a full university by Emperor Francis I in 1827 — a double founding that gives rise to the name Karl-Franzens-Universität. The Universitätsarchiv (University Archive) preserves the documentary memory of this long institutional history. Since November 2021 the archive has been led by Dr. Christine Rigler, who succeeded Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alois Kernbauer.

Collections and Holdings

The archive holds records documenting the history of the University of Graz from its founding to the present day, encompassing administrative files, faculty and institute records, personal papers (Nachlässe and Vorlässe) of distinguished researchers and teachers, and documentation of the university's research and teaching activities. Holdings include records of university governance bodies, lecture catalogues, examination records, and institutional publications spanning more than four centuries. The archive also hosts the Forschungsstelle Österreichische Philosophie (Research Centre for Austrian Philosophy), which contributes to volumes such as the series Literatur in Österreich 1938–1945.

Digital preservation is a current priority: the introduction of the UNIGrazonline information management system in 2005–2006 created a shift to digital records, and the archive is actively developing long-term digital preservation workflows and infrastructures, including collaboration with other Austrian university archives and with the Verband Österreichischer Archivarinnen und Archivare.

Access

The archive's reading room is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 to 12:00. Access to materials generally requires a prior appointment. Contact is available by telephone or email.