Sorbonne (University of Paris)

The Sorbonne is the famous name linked to the old University of Paris, in the Latin Quarter of Paris, France. The university began around 1150 and was one of the first in Europe. King Philip II gave it an official charter in 1200, and Pope Innocent III recognised it in 1215.

The name Sorbonne comes from a theology college founded by Robert de Sorbon and chartered by King Louis IX around 1257. Over time it became the nickname for the whole university. The model shows the domed Chapel of the Sorbonne, built in 1642. Today the name is still used for the historic building in the Latin Quarter.

An old university

The University of Paris was known across Europe, especially for theology and philosophy. It helped spread academic traditions such as doctoral degrees and student nations, groups of students from the same region.

Many popes, rulers, scientists and thinkers studied there. Some of the old colleges can still be seen near the Pantheon and the Luxembourg Garden. Old colleges such as the Collège des Bernardins and Collège Sainte-Barbe can still be spotted in the neighbourhood.

After the Revolution

During the French Revolution, in 1793, the university was closed and its buildings were sold. A new University of France replaced it in 1806.

In 1896 a new University of Paris was founded. After the 1968 protests it was split into 13 separate universities. Sorbonne Universite was created in 2018 from two of them. Marie Curie also studied at the University of Paris.

On the globe

The model shows the Chapel of the Sorbonne with its dome. Look for the dome on top.