Linneanum


The Collegium moved to Linneanum in January 2007. Commissioned by King Gustav III and built from 1787 and onwards, Linneanum was finally inaugurated in 1807 on the 100th anniversary of the birth of the world-renowned Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778).
Designed by the royal architects Olof Tempelman and Louis Jean Desprez, the building stands out as a monument to science and enlightenment in the neoclassical style of the late 18th century. Linneanum’s temple-like facade faces the Baroque Garden, which was designed by the royal architect Carl Hårleman and dates from 1750.



The Collegium is housed in the north wing of Linneanum, which has been carefully restored and renovated to provide modern offices and common areas for research while preserving the building’s antiquarian values. The architect in charge of the renovation – Professor Andreas Heymowski, also palace architect for the Royal Palace in Stockholm – used materials and colour schemes that match the building’s original exterior and interior. Where a thoroughly antiquarian approach has not been possible, high-quality modern materials and designs have been used.
Three halls are of particular importance in the restoration programme: Thunberg Dining Room (Thunbergs matsal); the former dining room of Linnaeus’ successor, Carl Peter Thunberg, which serves as the Collegium’s reading room (and occasionally as a dining room); and Thunberg Lecture Hall (Thunbergssalen), a 90-seat lecture hall in a historical room equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Thunberg Lecture Hall opens directly onto Linnaeus Hall (Linnésalen), whose proportions and décor, crowning dome and re-erected statue of Linnaeus underline the building’s classical ideals. The Linnaeus Hall is used for exhibitions and similar events, and is part of Uppsala University’s holdings. Linneanum is a national heritage building.
