The history of the university and its campus

Opiskelijoita istuu Historican H320 salissa pulpettien takana mustavalkokuvassa.

The history of the university and its campus

The Ģ��ֱ�� originated from a 1863 teacher training seminary: the first of its kind in the Finnish-language, the seminary heralded the eventual development of a multidisciplinary university. Throughout the years, JYU has grown into an internationally recognised academic institution with acclaimed expertise in education, humanities and natural sciences. The layered campus speaks to the university's storied history and long tradition promoting education.

160 years of promoting education

The Ģ��ֱ��'s foundations were laid when, in 1863, noted Finnish clergyman and educator Uno Cygnaeus, nowadays considered the father of Finland's public school system, established a teacher training seminary in the town. The seminary was the first institution in Finland to provide teacher education in the Finnish language, for both men and women. In addition to pedagogy and other theoretical subjects, the curriculum comprised handicrafts, gardening, home economics and physical education.

The teacher seminary had a tremendous influence on the development of Finnish culture. Many alumni of the seminary ended up becoming noted dignitaries, including author and playwright Minna Canth, author Johannes Linnankoski and poet J.H. Erkko. The seminary provided Finnish women their first avenue to higher education.

The images on this page are from the collection of the Jyväskylä University Museum.

Kansakoulunopettajaseminaari piirustus vuodelta 1866 — The first teacher seminary in Finland opened in 1863 in the buildings surrounding the then Jyväskylä town church. Drawing by seminary student Eero Mäkinen in 1866.

From a teacher seminary towards a college

Korkeakoululaisia Seminarium-rakennuksessa 30-luvun lopulla — Late 1930s students attending a lecture in the old Seminarium assembly hall. At this time, the college issued academic grades in e.g. educational sciences, but not yet university degrees.

In 1934, the seminary transformed into a college of educational sciences, where secondary school graduates could gain an elementary school teacher's qualification in two years. In the 1940's, the college began issuing academic degrees, with the first public defence of a doctoral thesis taking place in 1949.

Seminaarinmäki-aiheinen postikortti vuodelta 1902 — The Finnish state bought a plot of land for the seminary on the west side of Jyväskylä town in 1878. In the following years, the first seminary buildings were erected. The area was later named Seminaarinmäki, 'Seminary Hill'. Post card from 1902.

Seminaarin naisluokan opetustunti Historica-rakennuksessa — Women's seminary classes were held in the building nowadays known as Historica. Men and women studied separately at the time.

1863

The Ģ��ֱ�� got its start with the establishing of the Finland's first Finnish-language teacher training seminary by educator Uno Cygnaeus.

1934

The seminary transformed into a college of educational sciences. The college started issuing academic degrees in the 1940's.

1958

The establishing of professorships in the faculties of philosophy and humanities contributed towards the college's development into a university.

Seminaarin päättäjäisjuhlakulkue 1937 — Ceremonial procession to commemorate the closing of the seminary in 1937. Included were former seminary students in order of age, with the senior alumnus Juho Vuorinen seated in the carriage.

Kirjasto toimi Oppio-rakennuksessa vuodet 1948-1958. Tältä näytti senaikainen kirjaston lukusali. — The library was located in the Oppio building from the days of the seminary until 1958, when the new Aalto Library was completed. Pictured is the reading room of the college in Oppio in the late 1940’s.

University begins its operations 1966

The college saw significant expansions in 1958. The establishing of professorships in the faculties of philosophy and the humanities served to further the college's development into a university, and in July 1966 the Ģ��ֱ�� began its operations with four faculties. Over the decades that followed, JYU has blossomed into a nationally and internationally recognised multidisciplinary university and centre of education excellence, with a focus on human sciences and natural sciences.

Jyväskylän yliopiston Aallon sali vuonna 1973 — The Aalto Library is located at the university’s Main building. (Image: Seppo Turpeinen 1973)

Tulevia liikunnanopettajia vuonna 1963 — In 1963, JYU began training physical education teachers. Pictured are students from the first class practicing their skiing skills. (image: Matti Salmi)

Päärakennuksen edusta 1970-luvulla — Main Building in the 1970's. The unique shape of the facade is highlighted by the morning sun. (image: Matti Salmi)

Multilayered campus speaks to the various phases of the university

The three campus areas of the Ģ��ֱ�� – Seminaarinmäki, Mattilanniemi ja Ylistönrinne – form a unique environment of architecture, art and nature that invites you to explore the rich history of the university.

The layered Seminaarinmäki campus is a protected area, acclaimed for the harmonious integration of modern buildings alongside historical architecture. The first buildings of the campus were completed in the 1880's. The oldest seminary buildings, sporting red brick, were designed by Constantin Kiseleff. Seminaarinmäki campus is most famous for the numerous Alvar Aalto buildings constructed in the 1950s to 1970s.

The Main Building of the Ģ��ֱ�� is the most renowned Alvar Aalto building in Seminaarinmäki.

Asuntolarakennus vuonna 1922 Historican kulmalta kuvattuna — Women's seminary buildings in 1922. On the left, where now lies the Musica building, are wooden administrative buildings.

Villa Rana vuonna 1910 — Villa Rana was designed by drawing teacher and architect Yrjö Blomstedt in the style of art nouveau, in contrast with earlier buildings. Picture from ca. 1910.

From the past to the future

In the 1980's, the university began expanding across the Jyväsjärvi lake. Some of this newer construction was designed by architect Arto Sipinen.

The newest building in Seminaarinmäki, Ruusupuisto (Rose garden) was completed in 2015. Ruusupuisto was influenced by the adjacent Alvar Aalto designed museums (Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland), which can be seen particularly in the building's windows and facade design. The name Ruusupuisto derives from the early 1900's, when the area was home to a park filled with roses. Today, some of the same rose varieties are planted in the yard.

In 2022, the European Commission granted JYU's Seminaarinmäki campus area and equal education Finland's first European Heritage Label. The site highlights the significance of the educational system in Finland and Europe as the basis for an equal and democratic society.