2024 at Senate House: Year in Review

The year 2024 has been filled with events and celebrations at Senate House, including several significant anniversaries. MacMillan Hall has hosted countless buffets and fine dining meals, Beveridge Hall has seen dozens of celebrations, and Crush Hall has been at the centre of it all, providing a space for guests to network and marvel at the beauty of our iconic building.

Charles Holden Exhibition 

In January, Senate House hosted a very special exhibition dedicated to the work of none other than the architect whose vision brought this building to life, Charles Holden. Visitors had free access to a variety of archival documents, detailed models, photos and documentary footage of the construction process almost a century ago. 

The event was a huge success among art deco fans and those discovering Holden’s work for the first time, shedding light on his other projects and his original ambitious vision for the Bloomsbury estate, whose construction was sadly interrupted by the onset of WWII and never came to fruition. If you missed it but would like to learn more about the building and its history, you can find more information on our website. 

London Fashion Week 

In February, the walls of Senate House observed a bold London Fashion Week show staged by SRVC Studio. Drawing inspiration from the bustling and vibrant capital city itself, they hosted a catwalk in iconic double-decker buses parked in a horseshoe shape in front of Senate House. The models ascended and descended the stairs of each vehicle, making it a truly unique sight on our grounds. 

Alumni Celebration at Senate House 

On 29 April 2024, the University of London celebrated its newest graduates with an evening event at Senate House following a daytime graduation ceremony at the Barbican Centre. The Chancellor’s Hall was transformed into the ‘Gatsby Salon’, complimenting the building’s art deco style, and featured an exhibition on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, led by the School of Advanced Study. 

Supporting Student Success workshop 2024 

The sixth Centre for Online and Distance Education workshop, Supporting Student Success, was held on 14 May 2024 at Senate House. Participants had the chance to participate in workshops and interactive presentations in Woburn Suite, followed by a series of webinars later in the month.  

30 years of the School of Advanced Study 

2024 marked the 30th anniversary of the School of Advanced Study, celebrated in June at Senate House and attended by the University of London’s Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal. Representatives from several schools showcased their current projects and initiatives, while exhibition displays highlighted key milestones in the School's history and achievements. Materials, including a timeline of the School’s history, remained on display on the second floor of Senate House for the rest of the year.  

Screenings on the steps 

While people from around the world flocked to Paris to watch the Olympics and Paralympic games, our students in London had the chance to enjoy them from the comfort of the Senate House Steps. Screens were installed for the whole summer, broadcasting major events such as performances at Glastonbury and Wimbledon games. Street food stalls were also available throughout the season, making it even easier for spectators to stay and enjoy the performances for longer. 

Summer School 

In June, the University of London once again hosted The London School of English’s Summer School, with the aim of providing an authentic English language learning experience for young adults from around the world. Located right next to the British Museum, the Senate House venue complements the summer school programme which includes activities such as visits to key sites in central London. 

40th Anniversary of London Fashion Week 2024 

London Fashion Week 2024 celebrated its 40th anniversary between 13 and 17 September with two unique shows at University of London Venues. Eco-conscious jewellery and ceramics brand Completedworks transformed Gordon Square Gardens into a stage for their three-act play titled 'A Stone is a Small Mountain'. Guests and models, including supermodel Lily Cole, were surrounded by mirrors and pearls. 

In the meantime, TOVE showcased their spring/summer 2025 collection, Unpretentious British Warmth, on the steps of Crush Hall. It wasn’t the first time TOVE chose the grandiose of this venue for their luxe designs – back in February 2023, the studio also decided to have their catwalk against our iconic backdrop. 

Open House London 

Senate House swung its doors wide open for the annual Open House London festival in September, inviting visitors on guided and self-guided tours. A team of staff volunteers showed visitors around our rooms, starting with the stately Crush Hall, the adjoining Beveridge and MacMillan Halls that serve as our main stages for conferences and welcoming guests. 

Ascending to the first floor, attendees would be taken to the Chancellor’s Hall with its unique corked floors and the map of London with our Federation members and their locations highlighted, and later through to the Court Room, the Jessel Room and the Senate Room, each venue showcasing its own design yet aligning with Charles Holden’s modern yet timeless style. If you missed Open House Festival this year, be sure to mark your calendar for September 2025.  

Black History Month 

In October, the theme of 2024’s Black History Month was “Reclaiming Narratives”. In collaboration with the University of London, Senate House, Senate House Library and the School of Advanced Study hosted a series of talks and events to celebrate black history. Alongside keynote speakers in Beveridge Hall, there was a short film screening, a Senate House Library exhibition and a mix of online and in-person lectures and seminars. You can find the full list of events held at the Senate House and details of this year’s guest speakers on our website.  

History Day – 10th Anniversary 

Historians celebrated the 10th anniversary of History Day the walls of Senate House this year. Over 300 attendees gathered for the event, which was held across Crush Hall, Beveridge Hall, and Macmillan Hall, more than 70 organisations showcasing their research and resources in person. The day provided archivists and historians with a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from across London and the wider UK – an occasion that is rare within the sector. 

Festival of Higher Education 

Our walls held another 10th anniversary this year, hosting the Festival of Higher Education in partnership with WonkHE for the second consecutive year. Spanning two days, the conference transformed four rooms in Senate House into stages for panel discussions, seminars and networking among the higher education industry professionals. 

Beveridge Hall was turned into an amphitheatre, with the audience seated on all four sides and the discussions broadcast live into the Chancellor’s Hall. As one of the largest events hosted by Senate House, the Festival made full use of our facilities and digital amenities, ensuring a seamless experience for around 600 attendees. 

Foundation Day 

We ended the year on a high note by celebrating the 188th anniversary of the University's first charter. To mark this special occasion, the Chancellor awarded honorary degrees to five accomplished and inspirational individuals, including Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate of Literature in recognition of her unwavering promotion of literacy and literature, as well as her profound love of reading. 

Get in touch with our Venues team to book your conference or event at Senate House!