Ku Leuven: Images of a University

- Commemorates KU Leuven’s 600th Anniversary: a luxurious photo book celebrating six centuries of history

- Photographed by Karin Borghouts: renowned heritage and architecture photographer offers fresh, unexpected perspectives on KU Leuven’s architectural treasures

- Insightful Historical Narrative: historian Liesbet Nys explores the rich history of KU Leuven, enhancing the visual experience

- A Unique Visual Journey: combines stunning photography with deep historical context for a compelling portrayal of one of Europe’s oldest universities

- Book accompanying the exhibition in Museum L (Leuven) from February 2025 onward, along with an exhibition at KU Leuven’s university library on the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven

This luxurious photo book commemorates the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven University, Belgium, featuring the work of renowned heritage and architecture photographer Karin Borghouts. Through her lens, Borghouts offers fresh and unexpected perspectives on the university’s rich architectural heritage, capturing everything from auditoriums and laboratories to student residences, sports facilities, libraries, chapels, and more. Accompanying her striking images, historian Liesbet Nys delves into the storied history of KU Leuven. She offers an insightful narrative that complements the visual journey through one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Liesbet Nys (b. 1976) studied history at KU Leuven, where she worked from 1998 to 2010. During her time there, she focused on research in areas such as degenerationism, university history, and the history of museum visits. Her doctoral dissertation, defended in June 2009, was dedicated to the latter subject. From 2010 to 2013, she continued her academic career as a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Public History at Ghent University. In October 2013, she returned to the University of Leuven to resume her work in university history. After completing a project on the history of Leuven’s medical faculty, she has been researching the history of research and research policy at KU Leuven since October 2016. Karin Borghouts is a professional Belgian artist photographer. She is working on her own projects and on commissioned assignments by art, cultural and heritage organizations, publishers, city councils, architects, museums.