Humanities

Celebrating our 444th anniversary

A faculty like ours is a treasure chest of and for languages, culture, and society. In the coming year, we will be making sure these treasures get extra attention, both internally and externally, during Leiden University’s 444th anniversary.

Humanities matter

In 2019, Leiden University will have been in existence for 444 years. Throughout all those years, the Faculty of the Humanities has played an essential role both in the development of the University and of the world around us. We want to share these stories with everyone who is, was, or will be connected with our faculty in any way. We want to get to know ourselves and each other better, and to celebrate the value of the humanities together: humanities matter in 444.

444 activities at the Faculty of Humanities

Humanities kicks off 444 celebrations together

As part of our 444th anniversary, this year's New Year's reception of the Faculty of Humanities was held for both students and staff. Our study associations organised a very successful Fancy Fair to raise money for the charity: 'Right To Play'

On Thursday 28 March, this year's Faculty Symposium of Humanities was dedicated to Humanities Matter! With keynotes such as Eveline van Rijswijk and Marlou Schrover we immersed ourselves in the importance of the humanities in today's society. Read more

This year, the Canal run was also marked by the 444th anniversary of Leiden University. More than 20 runners from the Faculty of Humanities joined the run to raise money for various charities. Read more

As part of the 444 celebrations, a 44.4 km long recreational cycle tour has been created between our two cities: Leiden and The Hague. On May 11th we kicked off the route by cycling it with as many people as possible. Read more

This year Leiden University celebrates its 444th anniversary. This special age asks for a special celebration. That's why you are invited to come and take a look behind the scenes of our faculty, together with your family and friends, on Saturday 25 May. We would love to hear if you are coming, bring as many people as you'd like! Read more

Creative students, staff and alumni of the Humanities Faculty have translated the concept of 'Humanities Matter' into poems, paintings, installations and performances. They take part in the art competition 'Humanities Matter' and pay tribute to the Humanities. The first prize is awarded by an independent jury and amounts to the nice sum of €444,-! Read more

This year's 444th anniversary of Leiden University involves all kinds of special events. But what better way to look back at these 444 years than at the faculty where we actually study our history? That is why, in collaboration with the Historical Study Association Leiden (HSVL), a physical timeline has been created in which 444 years of stories about our students, scientists and many developments of the Faculty of Humanities are depicted in a playful way. Read more

Exhibitions

Leiden University celebrates its 444th anniversary with the residents of Leiden and The Hague. The festive year will be kicked off with an exhibition in a symbolic place: Leiden's town hall. Read more

The exhibition Minerva's Transformation by the Leiden University Libraries focuses on the university's fascinating history. Contemporary photographs and historical documents from the libraries' collections highlight the 444 years of Leiden University's existence. Read more