In this exhibition, we look back 100 years to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1926. The 1926 annual report details all that took place.
It was an eventful year in the history of VU Amsterdam. The university had only three faculties: arts, law, and theology. There were approximately 352 students enrolled, 12 of whom were women. A total of about 43 people were employed by the university.
In 1926, three new professors were appointed, whose ideas had a major influence on the academic life of our university. In contrast, the academic community mourned for the librarian, the amanuensis, and the director of student housing, who passed away after decades of service at VU Amsterdam. It is also notable that the resolution of the debates within the Reformed Church in 1926 during the Synod of Assen had repercussions for the then-Protestant university. Theology professors discussed the synod in their lectures, and the establishment of a fourth faculty of Mathematics and Physics was once again critically examined in light of the synod.
For each story from 1926, staff and students from 2026 offer their perspective. What has changed in 100 years, and what has remained the same? And how do you look back on this?
The exhibition will be on display from June 10 to September 19, so be sure to come and take a look!