History

The direct predecessor of today’s University of Maribor was the Association of Higher Education Institutions Maribor, established in 1961. It brought together the first junior colleges founded between 1959 and 1961. The first among them was the Junior College of Commerce, followed by the Junior Technical College with departments for mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, textiles, civil engineering, and chemistry. In 1960, the Junior Colleges of Agronomy, Law, and Dentistry were established, although the latter operated only until 1970.

In 1961, the Pedagogical Academy was founded as the first higher education institution in Maribor, and in 1986 it was renamed the Faculty of Education. During this period, the Junior College of Work Organization in Kranj was also established and became a member of the Association of Higher Education Institutions Maribor in 1972. With six higher education institutions, Maribor became a strong academic centre, which in 1975 evolved into the University of Maribor.

The main building of the University of Maribor located at Slomškov trg 15 was built in the years between 1884 and 1886 as a building of the general savings bank (today’s south wing of the building, where all halls and the Computer Centre are located) and the Girls’ School (today’s north wing of the building, location of the University professional services and the Rectorate) in Neo-Renaissance style. Today, the building is under the protection of the Institute for Landmarks Preservation, since, according to experts, it is among the most beautiful historical buildings in Maribor.

After World War II, the building was entirely dedicated to education. It provided space for a primary school, the textile high school and hairdressing school. In the 1990s, the City Municipality of Maribor devoted the building to the University of Maribor. During the renovation of the building, which lasted as long as four years (1996-2000), it was established that different materials were used during the construction at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, the stairway in the southern part had to be completely demolished and built anew. During his visit in Maribor, Pope John Paul II blessed the start of renovation works (the memorial plaque blessed by the Pope is located at the main entrance of the building).

Boris Podrecca, the architect responsible for the renovation of the central university building, also gave new meaning to the central courtyard space, which was deepened in order to locate in it the Great Hall (Aula Magna). Through the sloping roof, he enabled the entry of daylight.

The renovation of the building included the protection of the building against earthquakes, the replacement of wooden ceiling structures, the complete replacement of doors and windows as well as of the entire installations, the construction of the new stairway and the Great Hall, the assembly of panoramic elevators, the remediation of foundations and frescoes as well as the supply and installation of new furnishings.