Portrait of Bernd Engler: Tübingen tradition in the professors' gallery!

Portrait of Bernd Engler: Tübingen tradition in the professors' gallery!

On May 21, 2025, a new portrait of former rector Professor Dr. Bernd Engler unveiled in the New Auditorium at the University of Tübingen. The portrait, which was commissioned by the Italian painter Massimiliano Pironti, is part of the university's professors' gallery. With over 300 portraits, this gallery is one of the most extensive of its kind at German universities and includes works that date back to the 16th century, such as uni-tuebingen.de reported.

Important personalities were present at the unveiling, including Rector Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Karla Pollmann, Bernd Engler and the art historian Dr. Oliver Class. Rector Pollmann emphasized the importance of the Professors' Gallery as a living tradition. The collection is protected as a state monument both for its historical significance and for its scientific value. The University Association and the Würth company supported the realization of the portrait both financially and ideally, which underlines the close connection between the university and the regional economy.

The professors' gallery in detail

The Professors' Gallery at the University of Tübingen is not only the largest in Germany, but also a place where the history of the university remains alive. In total, the gallery contains more than 300 portraits of former rectors, chancellors, professors and other officials. The works are spread across various buildings at the university, with the most important collections being exhibited in the Small and Large Senate of the New Aula. A smaller part can also be found in the princely rooms of Hohentübingen Castle, such as unimuseum.uni-tuebingen.de indicates.

The tradition of making portraits of the rectors is firmly anchored at the University of Tübingen. The oldest paintings date from the 16th century, and the collection has retained its temporal unity over the years. This makes it a unique document of the university's scientific history. The majority of the works of art are included in the Mut eMuseum, which promotes accessibility to the university's history and at the same time underlines the importance of the collection.

Professor Dr. Bernd Engler and his achievements

Bernd Engler, who was Rector of the University of Tübingen from 2006 to 2022, gave significant impetus to the development of the university during his tenure. Born in Speyer in 1954, Engler studied English/American studies, German and philosophy before being appointed to the chair of American studies in Tübingen in 1992. His academic achievements and commitment to the university will be honored with the unveiling of the portrait, which now has a permanent place in the Professors' Gallery.