Academiegebouw (University Hall), Utrecht

Academiegebouw (University Hall), Utrecht

The Academiegebouw (Academy Building or University Hall) is the main edifice of Utrecht University.

There is a rather remarkable story behind it, illustrating struggle between different neo-styles at the end of the 19th century. The Hall was originally conceived as a gift to the University on the occasion of its 250th anniversary in 1886, but due to a protracted conflict and the unexpected death of one of the architects, Cornelis Vermeijs, the construction could not start until 1891. Followers of neo-Gothic style reckoned the design should have matched the architecture of the nearby Dom Church. However, the city council opted in favor of Neo-Renaissance, as befitting the spirit of humanism associated with the educational institution and alluding to the ancient Greek tradition.

The building's ornaments include medallions on the façade and the bust of Queen Wilhelmina. Inside, the auditoriums boast lavish frescoes. One of them, in room 16, called 'The return of Christ', was made in 1999 to mark the arrival of new millennium. During the 2002 restoration, this room was redesigned to the theme of Masquerade, in reference to the former habit of students to dress up during lustra here, and has subsequently been known as the "Masquerade Hall". Because its original fresco did not match the restoration theme, it was covered with a retaining wall.

The tapestries for the interior were donated in 1936 by the Utrecht University Fund.

On September 18, 2010, the Utrecht Whistleblowers Guild cast a bell in honor of the 375th anniversary of Utrecht University, celebrated in 2011. The bell was named Anna Maria, after Anna Maria van Schurman, the first female student in Utrecht, and hung in the turret above the entrance to the Academy Building.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Academiegebouw (University Hall) on Map

Sight Name: Academiegebouw (University Hall)
Sight Location: Utrecht, Netherlands (See walking tours in Utrecht)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Utrecht, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Utrecht

Create Your Own Walk in Utrecht

Creating your own self-guided walk in Utrecht is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Utrecht's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Utrecht's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Originally founded by the Romans, and once the most important city in the Netherlands, Utrecht boasts a generous share of historically significant structures. The collection of its architectural masterpieces, one of the richest in the country, dates back to the early Middle Ages.

The amazingly well-preserved pieces of historic architecture in Utrecht showcase the trends and movements throughout...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Utrecht Introduction Walking Tour

Utrecht Introduction Walking Tour

The earliest settlers to the area now called Utrecht likely arrived millennia ago during the Stone Age. While there are also signs of inhabitation during the Bronze Age, scholars today credit the Romans with building what became the town.

They set up a castellum around the year 50 AD, a fort right at a crossing point on the river Rhine. The fortress marked Rome's northernmost point in...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles