VUB and ULB celebrate anniversaries together

Brussels universities VUB (Vlaamse Universiteit Brussel) and ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) are celebrating their respective 45th and 180th anniversaries together on May 9. The festivities will take place on the eve of the Iris Festival, which celebrates the Brussels-Capital Region’s 25th anniversary, further underlining the universities’ close connection to the city.

The two universities, one Flemish and one French-speaking, are celebrating with their second ‘Enlightenment Night’ which includes an evening cantus at Place des Palais/Paleizenplein, followed by free concerts by bands Boogie Belgique, De Headlines and The Planes. A banquet will be held at The Royal Park for invited guests.

"There is much more that unites us than divides us. It’s a nice symbolic gesture to organise joint activities in front of the Royal Palace," said VUB rector Paul De Knop. "We became independent from the ULB 45 years ago, and therefore we share a rich history. But we also look forward to a bright future together,” he said.