Pieter De Somer Auditorium, Leuven

The Pieter De Somer Auditorium (Aula Pieter De Somer, or PDS) is a prominent venue in Leuven, located along Charles Deberiotstraat, nestled between the Pope’s College, the Maria-Theresia College, the Maurits Sabbe Library, and the city park. Belonging to the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), this auditorium is a significant hub for both academic and cultural activities.

Designed by Paul Van Aerschot, the auditorium was inaugurated on 26 September 1989. It is named in honor of Pieter De Somer (1917–1985), a renowned physician, microbiologist, and professor who served as the first rector of the independent Dutch-speaking KU Leuven from 1968 to 1985. De Somer played a crucial role in shaping the university’s modern identity during the linguistic division of the institution, advocating for federalization in Flemish education and science.

With a seating capacity of 814, the Pieter De Somer Auditorium is the largest auditorium in Leuven’s city center and the second-largest facility at KU Leuven, following the Central Auditorium Gasthuisberg. Its primary purpose is academic, hosting lectures and educational events. However, its versatile space is also utilized for cultural performances, debates, and festive ceremonies, making it a key venue in Leuven’s intellectual and cultural life.

At the entrance stands a striking statue of Pieter De Somer, crafted by Vic Gentils, paying homage to the influential rector. In 2022, the auditorium gained additional artistic significance when street artist Case Maclaim created a mural commemorating the death of Sanda Dia, further enriching the building’s cultural relevance.