In 1477, the University of Mainz started its academic teaching. 550 years later, it is celebrating a major anniversary – an opportunity to rediscover its rich and multifaceted history. This history is marked by disruptions: During the French Revolution, regular teaching activities largely came to a halt. Despite isolated exceptions and subsequent teaching activities, continuous university operations could not be maintained until the reopening in 1946. After the Second World War, the university was re-established by the French occupying authorities. Named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of modern printing and arguably Mainz’s most famous son, the re-establishment sent a deliberate message: It drew on both the Old University and Mainz’s role as a center of innovative media production, which had already gained international significance in the 15th century through Gutenberg’s invention. Within this tradition, innovation and media change have shaped the University of Mainz’s self-understanding ever since and are being celebrated as part of the anniversary festivities.