Historical figures around the city to increase the visibility of Uppsala University’s heritage
The plaques were ceremoniously mounted around Uppsala in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt, Uppsala University.
As part of the preparations for its 550th anniversary, Uppsala University is launching the project “Historical Figures in City Spaces”, which aims to give visibility to stories about knowledge breakthroughs, civic engagement and cultural contributions that have shaped the past and present.
Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt with Anders Celsius' plaque. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt, Uppsala University.
For nearly 550 years, Uppsala University has been at the forefront of knowledge. The project “Historical Figures in City Spaces” draws attention to individuals associated with Uppsala University by means of plaques installed in places of significance for their life, work or ideas.
“The advancement of knowledge is a kind of evolution. Those who have gone before us have laid the foundation for what we do today. Now, as we prepare together for the jubilee in 2027, we set out from the University’s nearly 550-year tradition of advancing knowledge,” says Uppsala University’s Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt.
On 12 February 2026, three of the plaques were installed, commemorating Betty Pettersson (at Övre Slottsgatan 15), Peter Forsskål (at Övre Slottsgatan 4) and Anders Celsius (at the Celsius Building, Svartbäcksgatan 9). This is the first step in an initiative in which the urban space bears the narrative of past deeds, the present-day city and not least the University of the future.
Both information bearers and links to history
Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt and Alva Karlsson, First Curator at Kalmar nation, with Betty Pettersson's plaque. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt, Uppsala University.
As part of the preparations for Uppsala University’s 550th anniversary in 2027, the goal is to install 20 plaques around the city in 2026. Further plaques will be added during the jubilee year 2027.
The plaques serve not only to convey information but also to forge links between different eras. Historical deeds will be tied in with today’s city of knowledge and the University’s future role in society, thus becoming an active part of the continuing development of Uppsala University and the city of Uppsala.
“Uppsala has been shaped as a city of knowledge by the University and many generations of committed individuals – students, researchers, employees. By honouring and highlighting historical contributions, we remind everyone that knowledge is something that is passed on, developing and gaining new significance in every generation,” Hagfeldt says.
Who do you think deserves a plaque?
Both the public and the University’s employees are invited to propose people and places that should be highlighted in the project.
Please email your suggestion to kommunikation@uu.se.
Johan Ahlenius