The Catholic University of Leuven will kick off a series of activities commemorating the 600th anniversary of its founding in early 2025.
From February, the university, along with the City of Leuven, will host a variety of festivities, lectures, exhibitions, and events spanning art, science, and poetry.
The programme was unveiled to the press on Wednesday at the start of the academic year.
The founding of the university dates back to 1425, when Pope Martin V issued a papal bull creating it. Over the centuries, the institution has grown steadily and experienced a turbulent history.
“If I listed all the wars, disasters, fires, pandemics, closures and reopenings, you’d be amazed the university still exists,” said Rector Luc Sels. “But it has shown resilience, and we intend to celebrate that grandly.”
“We have been preparing for this celebratory year for many years,” said Klaartje Heiremans, business coordinator for the 600th anniversary. “We consulted with all faculties to gauge the importance of the anniversary, determine our message, and consider its long-term impact.”
The first celebration will take place next week when Pope Francis visits KU Leuven and its sister university, UC Louvain. The Pope will deliver a speech in the Promotion Room of the University Hall in Leuven and meet with several professors.
The official celebratory year will kick off on 3 February with the traditional Patron Saint’s Day, featuring an opening concert by Sollazzo Ensemble in Saint Peter’s Church. An opening weekend will follow on 15 and 16 February.
Under the banner ‘KU Leuven Inside’, the public will be given a behind-the-scenes look at scientific research in the University Hall, the Arenberg Campus, and Gasthuisberg. Highlights include tours, themed walks, and ‘600 Seconds’ lectures. Additionally, a light show will take place on Ladeuzeplein.
From May, a route through Leuven featuring art and science, complemented by poetry and seven art installations, will be opened. The standout piece will be the Dwaaltuin (Wandering Garden) designed by artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, which is currently under construction. This transparent steel structure will become an open maze as a collection of climbing plants grows over it with the seasons.
Creating a lasting impact in Leuven was a key goal for the celebrations. “The sustainable and permanent character is in the university’s DNA,” said Heiremans. “We wanted to do more than just organise an event you attend for a day. We aimed to demonstrate the university’s enduring influence on society.”
In October, two retrospective exhibitions will open in Museum M and the University Library. Museum M will showcase the university’s study collections, while the University Library will present KU Leuven’s historical narrative. Both exhibitions will run until 22 February 2026.
A significant milestone will be marked on 9 December 2025, with the inauguration of the new Vesalius Museum. The Pathological Institute and Anatomical Theatre on the Hertogen site are currently being renovated for this purpose. The museum will focus on knowledge and science related to the human body.
