Children's Day with the Rector in Collegium Maius
On 1st June, the Children's Day was celebrated with the Rector of the Jagiellonian University. His Magnificence, Rector Prof. Dr hab. Med. Wojciech Nowak invited his youngest guests into his office, the Senate Room and the Main Aula in Collegium Novum, the places which normally are not available for visitors.
The next stage of the special day's celebration was the oldest University edifice – Collegium Maius. As a part of the "Close encounters with history", the children were able to learn about history of the building and its most valuable exhibits, but also meet historical persons, reenacted by museum's employees. The young visitors were greeted by King Kasimir the Great, who told them about the origins of the university and details of his foundation, which took place 650 years ago. The presence of this historical person was especially important due to the 650th Jubilee of the University. The king was impersonated by Cracow's stage actor, Jan Mancewicz.
During the walk through Collegium Maius, it was possible to hear the story of the University library and meet Karol Estreicher senior. Furthermore, visitors would encounter Professor Jan Brożek, the former student Nicolaus Copernicus, and Queen Jadwiga, and hear about the past of Collegium Maius, the history of the community which once lived here, and the contribution made by the Queen. The visit finished in the Green Room with the story about Pusłowski family and exquisite keepsakes from their collection. Due to the 50th anniversary of Museum's foundation, the organizers put much effort to remind of Franciszek Xawery Pusłowski and his contribution to the collection.
The scenario of this event has been prepared by Desisława Christozowa-Gurgul (Museum's Department of Education), and historical make up of actors was possible thanks to cooperation with the post-graduate fashion and make up school FAM, and the National Old Theatre in Cracow.
In the Stuba Communis, the young visitors found a sweet surprise provided by the Słodki Wierzynek confectionary.
Also Collegium Medicum took part in the Children's Day event. In the Collegium Nowodworskiego courtyard first aid workshops were organized.