University Carillon

A giant among musical instruments …

The tower of the Central University Library houses one of the most beautiful carillons in the world. It was erected together with the library building in 1928 and was donated by American engineers as a war memorial. Thanks to the efforts of American carillonneur Margo Halsted, the instrument was renovated and enlarged to 63 bells in 1983. The total bell weight is 35 tons.

The instrument bears a message of peace. The 7-ton Bourdon, which also strikes the hours, is named Liberty Bell of Louvain, and bell n° 4 bears the following inscription (translated from Latin):

Weekly carillon concerts
The tower of the K.U.Leuven Central Library on the Ladeuzeplein houses one of Europe’s largest and best carillons. During the academic year until mid-May, the carillon is played twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 7:45 pm.

UNIQUE
Interested in accompanying the carillonneur up the tower with your student association, friends or family (max. 25)? It’s free! You can book for a tower visit through this form

Listen and win
Each week the carillonneur plays well-known compositions. If you recognize one of these pieces, send us an e-mail identifying the piece to beiaard@kuleuven.be. Each month one lucky winner will receive a nice gift.

The carillon supports the Children’s Cancer Fund of K.U.Leuven.
As carillonneurs, we believe in the power of music. Therefore we support the project music therapy of the Children’s Cancer Fund of KU Leuven.

Did you enjoy a tower visit? Did a song sound particularly pleasing in your ears ? Share your experience with others by a small gift to Kinderkankerfonds Leuven

Gifts account K.U.Leuven:
- BIC-code KREDBEBB
- IBANnr BE45 7340 1941 7789
- mention +++400/0006/22051+++
Gifts of € 40 are more are tax-deductible in Belgium.