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Home > Events > Exhibition: Hugo and the Law

Exhibition: Hugo and the Law

16 Jan - 27 Jun | 08.30 CET - 22.00 CEST

Victor Hugo was not only a celebrated novelist and poet, but also a powerful thinker on law, justice, and society. His ideas continue to shape debates on legal responsibility, morality, and social justice to this day


This book exhibition presents a selection of works from UM’s Special Collections, placing them in dialogue with Hugo’s ideas on law and justice. By bringing together historical books and contemporary cultural references, the exhibition explores how legal thought continues to resonate within popular culture.

Designed as a multi-sensory experience, the exhibition invites visitors to engage not only intellectually but also sensorially. Alongside original books, the display includes video, music, soundscapes, and specially created scent boxes, recreating, among other things, the atmosphere of revolutionary Paris. Through references ranging from Les Misérables to modern music and media, the exhibition highlights connections between Hugo’s work, law, and contemporary culture.

Originally presented at the Faculty of Law, the exhibition is now on view at the University Library, where it continues to foster dialogue between scholarship, culture, and the public. The original books were provided by the Special Collections of the UM Library.

This exhibition is a collaboration between the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the University Library, organised in close cooperation with the Law & Popular Culture Research Network.

On Saturday and Sunday the building opens at 11:00.
For accurate opening hours please visit the website.

Activities around the exhibition

Over the coming months, a range of activities, lectures, and guided tours will take place in connection with the exhibition. Please see the overview below for all upcoming events.

Academic guided tours

On selected dates, the Hugo and the Law exhibition will feature academic guided tours led by scholars involved in the project. These tours provide additional context on Hugo’s ideas on law, justice, and their relevance today.

 

Lectures

  • Lecture 29 January 2026

Book discussions

Dates will be announced soon.


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Location

Inner City Library – Wellbeing Room
Grote Looiersstraat 17

Maastricht



Registrations are provided by an external party or registration is not required for this event.