Ghent University (Dutch: Universiteit Gent, abbreviated as UGent) is a public research university located in Ghent, Belgium. It was established in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands. After the Belgian revolution of 1830, the newly formed Belgian state began to administer the university. In 1930, the university became the first Dutch-speaking university in Belgium, whereas French had previously been the standard academic language. In 1942 the Book Tower (Boekentoren), the universities most famous building was opened. It houses the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Designed by Henry van de Velde, it has since been the chief architectural feature of the library..
