Behind the scenes at our 444th anniversary celebrations
With Dies Natalis (Foundation Day) approaching, our year-long 444th birthday celebrations are coming to an end. We ran numerous activities, from a manhunt to an exhibition, and all our doctoral defences were given a 444 twist. A peek behind the scenes at the creatives and makers who helped make our 444 year possible.
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Art academy student Clara Lezla won the design prize for the 444 logo. -
Her handwritten variations of ‘444’, all in different lettering styles, symbolise the many people who helped shape the University’s history. -
Our doctoral defences were also given a 444 twist. -
The tube that new doctors receive their degree certificate in was embellished with the 444 logo. -
The ‘atmosphere engineers’ at Doorgedraaid, known for their festival decor, made a special 444 cargo bike. -
With a game about the University and a giant Connect 4. -
Naturalist Freek Vonk, Albert Einstein and our present king of course: actors donned fantastic costumes for our manhunt. -
Children could hunt them down throughout the centre of Leiden. All the characters had links to Leiden University. -
William of Orange, the University’s founder, launched the manhunt and rewarded all the participating children with a small gift afterwards -
Leiden University joined in the celebration of the Relief of Leiden on 3 October – the day that Leiden celebrates it liberation from the Spanish in 1574. Over 130 staff, students, professors and children represented the University in the Grand Parade. -
A big float, on top of which the dome of the Leiden Observatory turned back and forth, was the crowning glory of the University’s entry. -
On the front of the float was the university of the past; on the back a show with the latest technological gizmos. -
There was also an exhibition at a symbolic location: Leiden City Hall. The exhibition consisted of 24 large poster panels and two display cabinets. Entrance was free to all visitors to the City Hall. -
The topics covered included the Royal Family in Leiden, the Leiden Bio Science Park, sport, Leiden museums, 3 October, student houses and the Academy Building.
Text: Melissa Schriek
Photography: Marc de Haan
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