Academiegebouw (University Hall), Utrecht

The Academiegebouw (Academy Building or University Hall) is the main edifice of Utrecht University.

There is a rather remarkable story behind it, illustrating struggle between different neo-styles at the end of the 19th century. The Hall was originally conceived as a gift to the University on the occasion of its 250th anniversary in 1886, but due to a protracted conflict and the unexpected death of one of the architects, Cornelis Vermeijs, the construction could not start until 1891. Followers of neo-Gothic style reckoned the design should have matched the architecture of the nearby Dom Church. However, the city council opted in favor of Neo-Renaissance, as befitting the spirit of humanism associated with the educational institution and alluding to the ancient Greek tradition.

The building's ornaments include medallions on the façade and the bust of Queen Wilhelmina. Inside, the auditoriums boast lavish frescoes. One of them, in room 16, called 'The return of Christ', was made in 1999 to mark the arrival of new millennium. During the 2002 restoration, this room was redesigned to the theme of Masquerade, in reference to the former habit of students to dress up during lustra here, and has subsequently been known as the "Masquerade Hall". Because its original fresco did not match the restoration theme, it was covered with a retaining wall.

The tapestries for the interior were donated in 1936 by the Utrecht University Fund.

On September 18, 2010, the Utrecht Whistleblowers Guild cast a bell in honor of the 375th anniversary of Utrecht University, celebrated in 2011. The bell was named Anna Maria, after Anna Maria van Schurman, the first female student in Utrecht, and hung in the turret above the entrance to the Academy Building.