Leiden University / Queen Beatrix to open newly renovated Academy Building

Leiden University / Queen Beatrix to open newly renovated Academy Building

19 August 2009 at 09:00

On Monday 31 August, Queen Beatrix will perform the opening ceremony of Leiden University's newly renovated Academy Building. The interior of the Academy Building has been completely renovated to reflect its status as a key location for official and ceremonial occasions.  The roof construction - which had become damaged over the years - has now been restored.   

Restoration

The Academy Building has undergone a thorough renovation. One of the main reasons for the urgency of the restoration was that the roof construction had been damaged by death watch beetle; the roof has now been fully restored. This initiated a major renovation project to upgrade the rest of the building. Part of the premises has been given a new layout so that it is more suitable for receptions and other official occasions. Much of the interior plasterwork, the ceilings, the floors and the technical facilities have been replaced. Many of the windows and doorframes have been replaced and the whole building - both interior and exterior - has been given a new coat of paint.

The heart of the University

The Academy Building is the oldest building of Leiden University , and forms the heart of the University. It is where students attend lectures and where they graduate; PhD researchers defend their dissertations here; newly appointed professors deliver their inaugural lectures in this prestigious building, and retiring professors hold their valedictory speeches here.  It was the venue on 26 November 1940 for Professor Cleveringa's address in protest against the sacking of his Jewish colleagues by the German occupying forces. Cleveringa's protest is a most significant event in the University's history, as is witnessed by its commemoration each year in the Academy Building.

Bronze sculpture

The Queen will perform the opening ceremony by unveiling a bronze sculpture symbolising the presentation of the University to the city of Leiden by William of Orange in 1575. The unveiling ceremony will be preceded by a reception in the Great Auditorium for invited guests. Following a brief word of welcome by Rector Magnificus Professor Paul van der Heijden, Professor Henk te Velde will give an address entitled: 'William of Orange, a hero from history.'  The chairman of the Prince William the First Memorial Foundation, Professor H.J.L. Vonhoff, will then give a brief talk on the inspiratin behind the sculpture.

Leiden University