Come to the opening of the VU Heritage and History exhibition on December 9th!
Tuesday December 9th it's time for the opening of the new (permanent) VU Heritage and History exhibition. Special objects and archive documents tell how the university developed from a small Protestant-Christian institution in 1880 to the diverse, globally connected university of today. The exhibition is located around the auditorium and is open to everyone. And make sure to come by during the VU Christmas Drinks at 4 PM!
Since its foundation in 1880, VU University Amsterdam has been in constant flux: from a small Protestant Christian institution then, to a diverse and globally connected university today. This exhibition tells the story of the VU through objects and archive documents from the Special Collections of the University Library.
We follow the university through five periods, in which social engagement, international relations, student life and the university's place in the city of Amsterdam were constantly reshaped. What remained was the pursuit of science with a conscience. What changed was how that ideal was fleshed out: with an eye for world citizenship and cooperation across borders. It resulted in an identity open in dialogue, personal in attention and responsible towards people, society and planet.
Since 17 April 2025, three historical archives have been part of the UNESCO Dutch Memory of the World Register. These archives show how the VU has contributed to social transformations in the Netherlands, from ideological mobilisation and pillarisation to increasing diversity.
So be sure to come by and take a look around the auditorium on Tuesday 9 December! Will we see you there?