VU Main building, University building in Buitenveldert, Netherlands.
The VU Main Building is a university building in Amsterdam's Buitenveldert neighborhood featuring a glass entrance facade and concrete brutalist design across multiple floors. Inside, you'll find classrooms, administrative offices, a library, restaurant, prayer hall, and dedicated spaces for student organizations and academic ceremonies.
The building opened in 1973 through an inauguration by Queen Juliana and Mayor Ivo Samkalden, representing a turning point for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This new structure allowed the institution to consolidate its growing operations and academic programs in a dedicated central hub.
The building functions as the daily hub where students, professors, and staff interact across shared spaces designed for both formal gatherings and casual meetings. Its role extends beyond classes into a social center where the university community connects and exchanges ideas throughout the day.
The building is open weekdays from 7 am to 11 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 6 pm, with staff available at the reception desk for assistance. Expect to navigate multiple levels and functional zones, so allow extra time to find your way around the complex interior.
The building hosts an annual film festival on its rooftop that draws large crowds to experience cinema at height, creating a memorable event space above the city. This creative use of the upper structure transforms the roof into an active cultural gathering place rather than unused architectural space.
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