UCL 200 Exhibition, Two Centuries Here, Opens
Image Credit: Manahil Baig
UCL has officially opened its major new exhibition, Two Centuries Here, marking the launch of the bicentennial year and celebrating 200 years since the institution was founded as London’s first university. The UCL200 exhibition opened on 18 February 2026 and will run through until 31 July 2027, inviting members of the public, students, alumni and staff to explore the university’s rich history. The exhibition spans across the North and South Cloisters and the Octagon Gallery, along with the Japanese Garden and the Student Centre, showcasing over 50 varied artefacts such as the Crookes tube and numerous ancient Egyptian objects, reflecting the diversity in the university and breakthroughs in education, science, culture and society that shape UCL’s history.
Following extensive refurbishment as part of the Bicentennial Physical Legacy Works Programme, UCL welcomed back students, staff and visitors to the redesigned Main Quad just in time for the launch of celebrations in early February 2026. The UCL200 celebrations began with UCL Illuminated, a light projection-mapping show staged on the evenings of 11–13 February 2026. The event used visuals projected onto the newly refurbished Main Quad and Wilkins Building to trace UCL’s journey from its beginnings in 1826 through two centuries.
UCL200 merchandise was promoted and sold in the Student Centre and at The Hanger, featuring lanyards, pin badges, and tote bags, as well as a premium UCL200 decanter set.
In addition to Two Centuries Here and UCL Illuminated, the bicentenary programme features a rich schedule of events across the year:
Students’ Union UCL Celebrations: UCL200 Summer Festival, artsUCL Fringe Festival, International Festival, talks, performances and social activities organised by students throughout the year.
Walking Tours & Campus History: Guided UCL200 walking tours introduce visitors to key sites across the Bloomsbury campus and tie in historic insights with the exhibition visits.
Renowned artist Professor Dame Sonia Boyce RA is being commissioned as part of a public art programme celebrating UCL’s legacy.
The Two Centuries Here exhibition has begun on a strong note in celebration of UCL’s bicentenary year, with many more events and developments to look forward to in the coming year.