In 2012, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) will celebrate its 380 anniversary. In January 1632, the internationally renowned scholars Caspar Barlaeus and Gerardus Vossius held their inaugural lectures at the Athenaeum Illustre. This illustrious school was located in the Amsterdam Agnietenkapel and is widely regarded as the predecessor of the UvA.

Legal recognition since 1815

In 1815, the Athenaeum Illustre became legally recognised as an institution of higher education, though it was only entitled to confer doctorates in 1877. In that same year, the Athenaeum Illustre was renamed the University of Amsterdam and it became the city’s official university. The professors and lecturers were appointed by the city council, and the mayor, by virtue of his office, was the chairman of the University administration. In 1961, the government took over the financing of the university and the right of appointment was transferred to the Curatorial Panel. The council continued to hold influence until 1971, and then the right of appointment was assumed by the Executive Board.