Sorbonne University

Founded 1257. Medieval theology college reborn as a 2018 merger of Paris science and medicine faculties.

Overview

Robert de Sorbon's college for poor theology students opened in 1257, giving the Latin Quarter its eternal name. Centuries of revolution and reorganization split Paris into dozens of universities; the 2018 merger rebuilt a Sorbonne uniting arts, science, and medicine. Marie Curie taught here while her radium work won two Nobels, and the Curie institute lineage continues on campus. The Dom observatory tower of the Sorbonne chapel remains Paris's academic emblem. About 55,000 students study across the historic sites.