Museums and Collections Student Prison

Student Prison, located in the back of the Old University.
Student Prison, located in the back of the Old University.

The student prison was established in the 1780s and was in operation until 1914. Today it is one of the most popular sights of Heidelberg.

From 1823 to 1914 students were incarcerated for such transgressions as night-time carousing or other offences against the public order. The university enjoyed autonomous jurisdiction over students for its first five hundred years. Beginning in 1886, however, this right to render judgments against students was curtailed. Since then, the university’s jurisdiction has been limited to internal disciplinary matters.

The famous paintings were applied by students using improvised techniques. Preserving them today is a major challenge. Despite the ongoing restorations, the staircase and hallway with a view into some cells will be open to the public from 28.03.2024.

Address

Studentenkarzer
Augustinergasse 2
69117 Heidelberg

Map

Opening Hours

Mon - Sat from 10:30 am to 4 pm
Last admission student prison: 45 minutes before closing time.

THE STUDENT Prison WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 23, 2024 UNTIL JANUARY 11th, 2025.

WE WILL REOPEN ON JANUARY 13th, 2025.

Admission

Admission
Combiticket "Unimuseum, Special Exhibition, Karzer
Adults 6,00 EUR
Reduced 4,50 EUR

Special ticket “Karzer” (only valid when the University Museum is closed and therefore no combination ticket is available)
Adults 4,00 EUR
Reduced 3,50 EUR
School class (per pupil) 2,00 EUR
1 teacher (from 10 pupils) free of charge
Additional teacher with group 3,50 EUR

Tickets

For the visit of our Student Prison, time slot tickets are offered, which can be purchased on site at the cash desk.
For reliable planning of your visit without waiting time, we recommend reserving tickets in advance (max. 2 weeks) by phone at +49 6221 541 2815.
The Student Prison can only be visited after handing in jackets and bags in the lockers. Thank you for your understanding.

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