Encouraged and backed by her father's financial support, Meitner entered the Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin, where the renowned physicist Max Planck taught. Planck invited her to his home, and allowed her to attend his lectures. This was an unusual gesture by Planck, who was on record as opposing the admission of women to universities in general, but apparently recognised Meitner as an exception. She became friends with Planck's twin daughters Emma and Grete, who were born in 1889, and shared Meitner's love of music.