Exhibition 'The eternal student': A journey through 450 years of studying

What is a university without its students? In 2025, we will celebrate 450 years of studying with an exhibition that puts our students from the past centuries in the spotlight. How did they study in the past? And how do they study now? The outdoor exhibition will be on display from 23 April at the Hortus botanicus.

Painters, illustrators, and photographers have long captured how Leiden students study. Travel through time with us and discover that not only are there differences, but also many similarities with today's student. Take a look behind the scenes of education: from lessons in the anatomical theatre to lectures with VR headsets. See how students learn from teachers, study in libraries, and observe in the Hortus or the lab. And, for centuries, how they’ve sweated over exams and concluded their studies with beloved rituals.

Visual rhymes

Of course, students don’t spend all their time studying. The exhibition also showcases images of 450 years of student life, living in student rooms, and student protests over the years. 'The eternal student: Impressions of 450 years of studying at Leiden University' provides a kaleidoscopic view, but certainly does not claim to be exhaustive. The history of the university is too rich, and each person could create a different composition. With an eye for visual rhymes, knowledge of collections, and a wink here and there, the creators have curated this exhibition. 

Ode

The outdoor exhibition is a tribute to all students, teachers, and everyone who makes education possible. What’s your favourite image of 450 years of studying at Leiden University? It could even be a photo from your own student days! Send your suggestion to 450@leidenuniv.nl, and who knows, you might see it featured in the Top 450.

Exhibition curated by: editor Linda van Putten, collections specialist Corrie van Maris, university historian Pieter Slaman, editor Dagmar Aarts, visual editors Danique ter Horst and Rob Dorresteijn. Design by: designers Koen van Engelen and Nina de Vrind. More information will follow on this website.