Spui University Campus officially opened: the puzzle is now complete

Published on 27 March 2026

With the six pieces of the puzzle now assembled by the partners of the University Campus and the Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, the building at the Spui was officially opened last Thursday.

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The five university administrators and the mayor, each with their own piece of the puzzle, proudly entered the auditorium of their new building. Luc Sels (Leiden University), Hester Bijl (TU Delft), Marlies Reinders (LUMC), Nicole Ummelen (Open University) and Caspar van den Berg on behalf of Universities of The Netherlands. The official opening ceremony symbolised their shared mission: to work together, and to connect with the city.

Jan van Zanen gives a speech. — ‘Open, accessible and connected with society. That’s what makes this place so special,’ said Mayor Jan van Zanen in his opening address.

‘Open, accessible and connected with society. That’s what makes this place so special,’ said Mayor Jan van Zanen in his opening address. ‘The Spui University Campus reflects the role played by knowledge institutions in The Hague: visible, engaged and firmly anchored in our city. I am proud of all the partners who have made this possible, but I am even more proud of all the students and staff who bring this place to life every day.’

The five Campus occupants together make science and education tangible and accessible for everyone. It wasn’t just the completed jigsaw puzzle that highlighted the sense of community; the comments by the university administrators involved in the project also made it clear that everyone is very pleased with the new building and the collaboration.

Caspar van den Berg, for example, commented to moderator Hajar Yagkoubi that for him it ‘symbolised a movement that we have also set in motion at Universities of The Netherlands. We need to move away from being separate institutions that compete with one another, but rather partners who work together and devise solutions for societal problems.’

Research for and by the city

It was then the turn of four researchers who talked about their research and their dreams for the city. Alderman for education Hilbert Bredemeijer also joined the panel discussion.

Alderman for education Hilbert Bredemeijer
Famke Gerritsen, student at TU Delft and UN Youth representative

Oh oh Den Haag

There was also singing. During the musical performance, the Buizer Trio sang the famous ‘Oh oh Den Haag’ ditty, to great enthusiasm in the auditorium, with almost everyone singing along.

A woman at the piano, a man with a violin and a man with a horn. — The Buizer Trio sang Oh oh Den Haag

The closing words were spoken by the Oscar Backus and Peter Hagelaar. They talked about the enormous task involved in converting a department store into a knowledge centre.

A man giving a presentation to an audience. — Architect Oscar Backus.

After the official part of the ceremony, everyone toasted the collaboration and the new building. Visitors were invited to see for themselves the whole interior during the well-attended guided tours. Olaf van Vliet, Professor of Economics, showed visitors round the wing of his department of Leiden University. ‘It’s fantastic working, teaching and collaborating in this new building.’

The entrance to the Spui University Campus.
Luc Sels, Nicole Ummelen, Marlies Reinders, Jan van Zanen, Caspar van den Berg and Hester Bijl.
A brass band led the visitors from the auditorium to the reception.
There was a lot to chat about over drinks.