Leuven’s Academic and Cultural Heritage- University Hall

Origins and Early Use

The University Hall in Leuven, located on Naamsestraat, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Originally constructed in 1317, it was designed as a Gothic cloth hall, serving as a marketplace for merchants and their customers. However, when Leuven’s University was established in 1425, the university began using this hall as part of its facilities.

By the 17th century, an imposing Baroque superstructure was added to the cloth hall to expand its capacity. Despite this addition, space remained a challenge, necessitating further extensions in the following centuries.

Expansion and the Rega Wing

In the 18th century, another major expansion was undertaken with the construction of the Rega Wing on the Oude Markt side of the building. Named after Rector and physician Hendrik Jozef Rega, this extension was primarily built to provide more space for the central university library, which had been housed in University Hall since 1636. One of the most remarkable features of the Rega Wing was the 44-meter-long book gallery on the top floor, featuring a gleaming parquet floor, ornately decorated bookcases, and an impressive lineup of busts of writers, scholars, and legislators.

The Transition to University Property

In 1679, the university acquired the building solely for academic purposes. However, following the dissolution of the Old University in 1797, University Hall reverted to the City of Leuven. It was later made available to the State University and eventually to the Catholic University. Despite suffering damage during the two World Wars, the building remained the university’s nerve centre and continues to house key administrative offices, including the Rector’s Office.

Restorations and Modern Additions

In recent years, University Hall has undergone several restorations. The outer façade was notably renovated, and the interior of the Rector’s Office was also refurbished. In 2007, a modern glass staircase and lift building were added on the Zeelstraat side, significantly improving accessibility. The top floor of this extension provides sweeping views over Leuven and its surroundings. This architectural enhancement, designed by VBM Architects, earned the Leuven Architecture Prize in 2008.

Architectural Features

Among the most iconic elements of University Hall are its staircases:

• The Neo-Baroque Marble Stairwell: Added after World War I, this grand staircase connects the Promotion Hall in the Rega Wing to Jubilee Hall in the old cloth hall. It remains a key location for university ceremonies, including PhD defences and honorary doctorate celebrations.

• The University Library Stairwell: The grand staircase in the University Library, reminiscent of palace staircases, features a bust of Herbert Hoover, a major patron of the new library building and former President of the United States (1929–1933). Suzanne Silvercruys, a Belgian sculptor who raised significant funds in the U.S. to support Belgian war victims, sculpted the bust.

The Impact of War

During World War I, the library housed in University Hall suffered near-total destruction when German soldiers set fire to thousands of books. The incident sparked international outrage, leading to extensive support for the rebuilding of the library. A new University Library was eventually constructed at Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein (Volksplaats) in a Flemish Neo-Renaissance style, designed by American architect Whitney Warren (who also designed Grand Central Terminal in New York). The library was officially inaugurated in 1928. However, during World War II, the library once again fell prey to war violence, with another round of destruction.

University Hall Today

Today, University Hall remains a symbol of resilience and academic excellence in Leuven. Though still owned by the City of Leuven, it is leased by KU Leuven, serving as a vital centre for university operations. With its historical significance, grand architectural elements, and continuous evolution, University Hall stands as an enduring testament to Leuven’s academic and cultural heritage.

Source: On the occasion of the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven, 'KU Leuven- Images of a University', Karin Borghouts & Liesbet Nys

Photos by Aslı Tezcan