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50 years - 100 hours of occupation

On February 22, 1972, students occupy the main building of the VU for 100 hours. They demand more democratic participation and criticize the Christian objective of the university. Half a century later, former occupiers look back in the documentary 'Dit is het begin (This is the beginning).' The accompanying exhibition '50 jaar - 100 uren bezetting (50 Years - 100 Hours of Occupation) had opened with a hybrid event on February 22 2022 at 4 p.m. and was on display in the heritage showcase (Main Building, 1st floor, next to the entrance to the UL) until mid-April 2022.

Exposition
In the turbulent 1970s, VU Amsterdam made a transformation from a small reformed elite university to a broad and democratic institution. This did not happen without a struggle. The radical left-wing student movement, led by the SRVU Students' Union, made itself heard. In 1972, the struggle over the establishment of a university council even led to the occupation of the VU main building. View the occupation pamphlets and photos from that time, and read about the context of this democratization battle.

Documentary “Dit is het begin (This is the beginning)”
In "Dit is het begin" former occupier Jochum de Graaf and documentary maker Willem Wisselink look back at the footage from 1972 with other former occupiers. How was it then? And how do they look back on it now? The documentary was made possible by a grant from the VUVereniging and was presented during the exhibition.

Questions about the Heritage exhibition space of the University Library?

Please contact Eline Bos, academic heritage curator

e.m.bos@vu.nl

Heritage exhibition space, University Library
VU Main Building, 1st floor
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam

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