The main building of RWTH Aachen University was constructed between 1865 and 1870 according to plans by Robert Ferdinand Cremer and marks the beginning of the university, which opened on October 10, 1870. The building stands at the crossroads between the 19th century and the modern era and reflects the aspiration to give science and technology a permanent place in the cityscape. The façade appears both austere and open, as if it were meant to make the quest for knowledge visible. When you walk across the courtyard today, the building exudes a blend of historical traces and a constant sense of renewal. The building’s significance is also evident in how it survived two world wars while retaining its character. It has accompanied generations of students and researchers and remains a place where new ideas are born.