Manhunt in Leiden: 'I can see Princess Beatrix!'
'Hey look! There's Rembrandt! And isn't that Einstein?' Over 200 children took part in the 444 Manhunt through the centre of Leiden on Saturday 29 June. They were looking for famous figures from the history of the University and the city: from Princess Beatrix to Von Siebold and from Roman goddess Minerva to Freek Vonk.
Many famous people have had some kind of link with Leiden University over the last 444 years. Eleven of these could be found hanging out in the centre of Leiden on Saturday 29 June. But where exactly? The participating children had two hours to find them all and collect a stamp. With a full card, they stood to win tickets for Leiden museums such as Corpus and Naturalis.
Anyone could join in (for free), but a number of children had managed to find a Golden Ticket, which granted them entry to the VIP version of the Manhunt. This started in the Academy Building with cake and a welcome by William of Orange, and ended with a goodie bag.
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The first 'man' is found: Princess Beatrix, who studied law and sociology at the University. -
Einstein was also easy to find, with his relativity theory on a blackboard. -
Another stamp: Armin van Buuren in the spot where he started out as a DJ. -
The first female professor at the University, Sophia Antioniades, in makeup. -
Famous alumnus King Willem-Alexander had to be there. -
The children with a Golden Ticket were welcomed by none other than the University's founder William of Orange... -
... and he awarded the prizes at the end.
There will be another manhunt in September, this time in The Hague. Keep an eye on the 444 website for more information.