Review of 2024: Visitors Enjoyed the Schlossfest
On 7 September, first-year and older students, staff members and visitors from near and far kicked off the beginning of the fall semester on a hot, midsummery day.
The interactive science program showcased university research practices and more, and at 6:30 pm, president Professor Dr. Thomas Puhl and mayor Christian Specht delivered commencement speeches to first-year students, ushering in the musical portion of the evening. Violinist Stefan Krznaric gave a stirring performance on the main stage, the Street LIVE Family played crowd-pleasing cover versions of old hits, and singer Myle rocked the house with his slick guitar moves.
Inside the Schloss Chapel, Piya put the audience under a spell with her fusion of jazz and evocative vocal stylings, while on the Gartensaal stage, acoustic singer Loen created the perfect backdrop for this balmy evening. Bands from Bandsupport Mannheim wowed the crowd inside the Rektoratshof, and in the FUCHS-Festsaal, the Spacebabes put on a great show, showing off their lyrical, melodic and groovy style. Comedy fans also got their money’s worth with sets from Toby Käp in the Gartensaal and Andreas Kirsch on the Aula stage. Still, the world of science was the true star of the show: The Science Marathon provided six professors with a platform to talk about their research projects and passions. Using the example of Prince Elector Carl Theodor, they also explained why we (need to) invest in science and culture and how Mannheim is using AI to prepare for the future.
Strolling across campus, visitors were able to take in a variety of different art exhibits and performances. The exhibition “Perspektivwechsel” in the Katakomben was chock-full of surprising perspectives, shifts and creative lighting displays—scored by electronic soundscapes courtesy of music collective Ferrytales. Up high and way low was the motto for two guided tours, one of which culminated with a 360-rooftop view of Mannheim, while the other offered a glimpse inside the Schloss Chapel’s crypt. Capping off the evening, the “SWR3 GoesClubbing” party at the Schneckenhof did not stop until 3 in the morning, with dancing and partying aplenty.
Photo gallery of the Uni Schlossfest 2024
About the Schlossfest of the University of Mannheim
“Welcome to the University of Mannheim and to the Mannheim Schlossfest.” Those are the traditional words of welcome by both the President of the University of Mannheim and the mayor of the City of Mannheim when the first-year students arrive for the start of the academic year in September.
With the Schlossfest, new students get the chance to introduce “their” university to their family and friends right at the start. But the Schlossfest is more than just a festival for students and staff. The cultural activities are also open to all friends and partners of the university and to everybody interested. You are invited to celebrate together, gain insights into academic life and exchange ideas in a festive atmosphere.
Partners & sponsors
The University of Mannheim would like to thank the sponsors of the Schlossfest 2024:
The University of Mannheim would like to thank the partners of the Schlossfest 2024:
