Story / 600 years of KU Leuven

600 years University Leuven

In 2025, KU Leuven will celebrate its 600th anniversary! As one of the oldest universities in the world, KU Leuven offers a unique opportunity to take part in a historically and culturally rich celebration. This anniversary will be marked by a series of events that are both entertaining and educational.

Exhibitions and tours

Visit special exhibitions on the history of the University. You can find these exhibitions in the University Library and other locations around the city. Guided tours are also available to show you the historic buildings and hidden corners of the campus. You can opt for a guided walk or a walking tour app.
More about walks KU Leuven

Wandering garden

The wandering garden will be open from 16 May. You will find it in the Arenberg Park, where it is part of the art and science route. It is a green labyrinth designed by the artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. The wandering garden consists of large steel grids overgrown with climbing plants. It is a 15-minute bike ride from the station. You can use Bluebike: the Belgian public transport bike. Buy a year's subscription in advance and enjoy a year's worth of cheap bike hire in most Belgian cities.

Cultural festivals

In addition to academic and historical activities, there is a rich cultural programme of concerts, theatre performances and film screenings that celebrate the university community and its history. These events offer a lively and festive atmosphere that is typical of Leuven. Make sure you get your tickets for concerts and performances in time!

Academic seminars and lectures

To mark the anniversary, the University is organising a series of seminars and lectures. Led by leading academics, these sessions will cover a range of topics from medieval history to modern scientific breakthroughs. Both students and visitors are welcome to attend the seminars, which offer a glimpse into the University's rich academic tradition.

70 years of artificial intelligence

And if you think artificial intelligence is a new phenomenon, think again. The term was first used by John McCarthy in 1955, 70 years ago. In honour of this, KU is organising a three-day event starting on Sunday 31 August.
More about AI conferences in Leuven

To Leuven by train

Going on a weekend getaway to Leuven? Then travel comfortably by train. You can travel with the Eurocity Direct, EuroCity or Eurostar.

Are you going with Eurocity Direct or EuroCity? Then travel to Antwerp or Mechelen. There you can take an intercity train to Leuven. Travel time from Amsterdam Centraal is 2.52 hours, the price for a one-way adult tickets starts at € 19.
If you travel by Eurostar, you take the train from Amsterdam to Antwerp where you can catch an intercity train to Leuven. Travel time in that case is 2.45 hours. The price for a one-way adult tickets starts at € 37.

More information about 600 jaar KU Leuven

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