Our history
fial | Louvain-la-Neuve
The University of Louvain (Universitas Lovaniensis and Universiteyt Loven) was founded in 1425 and was a place for transmitting knowledge in what was, at the time, the Southern Netherlands. In 1834, a new university was established. The present day Faculty of Philosophy and Letters follows in a tradition dating back to the Faculty of Arts of the old University.
In 1968, following linguistic problems, the University split into two: the French-speaking part moved to Louvain-la-Neuve and became the Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain); the Dutch-speaking part continued its activities in Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit van Leuven, KUL).
In 1979, the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters officially came to Louvain-la-Neuve to the Erasmus College whose architects were Mr. Cosse and Mr. Verhaegen. According to Guy Muraille, who was then dean of the faculty, the choice of the name Erasmus "expresses our desire both to assume all our past, all our heritage, humanist (...) and to be inspired by the example of this very great spirit, "committed philosopher", "humanist educationalist", a true European and passionate pilgrim of peace. For a faculty like ours, he is an excellent model: attentive and open to all the innovations and concerns of his time, but always faithful to his conscience, he has never betrayed the duties of an intellectual (Christian)."
In 2009, the Faculty of Philosophy merged with the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. A new faculty was born: the Faculty of Philosophy, Arts and Letters.
In 2015, following the "Landscape" ministerial decree that reorganized higher education, the Faculty integrated the master’s programmes of translation and interpretation of Marie Haps, while the Université Saint-Louis continued to host the bachelor’s programmes.
In 2018, the University changed its name and logo. The acronym UCL was replaced by UCLouvain.
In 2021, the Faculty of Philosophy, Arts and Letters is divided into four Schools: School of Philosophy (EFIL), School of History, Arts and Cultures (EHAC), School of Languages and Letters (ELAL) and Louvain School of Translation and Interpreting (LSTI).
In 2024, work was carried out in the building with the opening of the "Learning center Christine de Pizan". A mural fresco which currently decorates the Erasmus College was carried out following the techniques and materials of mural painting from the Roman era.
In 2025, UCLouvain celebrates its 600th birthday.