# Free University of Brussels

> former bilingual university in Brussels, Belgium (1834-1970)

**Wikidata**: [Q20754971](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20754971)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_University_of_Brussels_(1834–1969))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/free-university-of-brussels

## Summary
The Free University of Brussels was a bilingual university in Brussels, Belgium, operating from 1834 to 1970. It was founded by Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen and later split into the Université libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in 1970.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1834 by Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen
- Operated as a bilingual institution in Brussels, Belgium
- Closed in 1970, formally dissolved on May 28, 1970
- Split into Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Motto: *Scientia Vincere Tenebras* ("Science to Conquer Darkness")
- Affiliated with notable figures including Michel Bauwens, Bob Coecke, and Paul Otlet
- Located in the City of Brussels, near the Palace of Charles of Lorraine
- Known for its contributions to librarianship, computer science, and mathematics

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Free University of Brussels founded?
A: The Free University of Brussels was founded on November 20, 1834, by Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen.

### Q: Why did the Free University of Brussels close?
A: The university closed in 1970 and was formally dissolved on May 28, 1970, after being split into two separate institutions: Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

### Q: Who were some notable alumni or affiliates of the Free University of Brussels?
A: Notable affiliates include Michel Bauwens (computer scientist and philosopher), Bob Coecke (physicist and mathematician), and Paul Otlet (librarian and anti-colonial thinker).

### Q: What was the motto of the Free University of Brussels?
A: The university's motto was *Scientia Vincere Tenebras*, which translates to "Science to Conquer Darkness."

### Q: Where was the Free University of Brussels located?
A: The university was located in the City of Brussels, near the Palace of Charles of Lorraine.

## Why It Matters
The Free University of Brussels played a significant role in academic and intellectual life in Brussels during its existence. It was known for its bilingual approach, fostering education in both French and Dutch. The university's closure and subsequent division into two separate institutions marked a pivotal moment in Belgian higher education. Its legacy includes contributions to librarianship, computer science, and mathematics, with notable alumni and affiliates making significant impacts in their fields. The university's motto, *Scientia Vincere Tenebras*, reflects its commitment to advancing knowledge and illuminating the path forward.

## Notable For
- First bilingual university in Brussels, offering education in both French and Dutch
- Founding of the Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel after its closure
- Affiliation with influential figures in computer science, physics, and librarianship
- Contributions to the development of Belgian higher education
- Motto emphasizing the role of science in overcoming darkness or ignorance

## Body
### Founding and Early Years
The Free University of Brussels was established on November 20, 1834, by Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen. Initially known as the Université libre de Belgique, it was the first university in Brussels to offer bilingual education, providing instruction in both French and Dutch.

### Academic Contributions
The university was notable for its contributions to various fields, including librarianship, computer science, and mathematics. It was affiliated with prominent figures such as Michel Bauwens, a Belgian computer scientist and philosopher, and Paul Otlet, a librarian and anti-colonial thinker.

### Closure and Legacy
The Free University of Brussels closed in 1970 and was formally dissolved on May 28, 1970. Its closure led to the creation of two separate institutions: the Université libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. This division reflected the evolving political and linguistic landscape of Belgium, with the new universities continuing to serve the French- and Dutch-speaking communities, respectively.

### Location and Infrastructure
The university was located in the City of Brussels, near the Palace of Charles of Lorraine. Its campus included facilities for academic and research activities, contributing to the intellectual and cultural life of the city.

### Motto and Philosophy
The university's motto, *Scientia Vincere Tenebras*, translates to "Science to Conquer Darkness." This motto encapsulated the institution's commitment to advancing knowledge and illuminating the path forward, reflecting its dedication to intellectual progress and enlightenment.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "EducationalOrganization",
  "name": "Free University of Brussels",
  "description": "A former bilingual university in Brussels, Belgium, operating from 1834 to 1970.",
  "url": "https://www.ulb-vub.be/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13550863",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_University_of_Brussels_(1834%E2%80%931969)"
  ],
  "foundingDate": "1834-11-20",
  "dissolutionDate": "1970-05-28",
  "location": {
    "@type": "Place",
    "name": "City of Brussels",
    "geo": {
      "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
      "latitude": 50.82232775953888,
      "longitude": 4.396864481878195
    }
  },
  "motto": "Scientia Vincere Tenebras",
  "alumni": [
    "Michel Bauwens",
    "Bob Coecke",
    "Paul Otlet"
  ],
  "additionalType": "University"
}

## References

1. CiNii Research
2. [Source](https://www.ulb-vub.be/)
3. [Source](https://www.senate.be/lexdocs/S0665/S06651540.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.lachambre.be/digidoc/OCR/K2008/K20083087/K20083087.PDF)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. FactGrid