From Hospital to University Library
The Residents
Books emerging from the wall
In the stairwell of the new University Library, you notice them right away: the white, stone books emerging from the wall in various places. This remarkable artwork, The Residents, was created by sculptor Lynne Leegte.
Inspiration from the bookshelf
In 2013, Lynne created The Library, an installation in the Artis Library, which is part of the Allard Pierson. The work included, among other things, alabaster books placed among the historical Artis volumes on the shelves. Inspired by that artwork, the then director of the UvA/HvA Library, Maria Heijne, invited the artist in 2019 to create a new piece for the University Library in the University Quarter.
Photography: Monique Kooijmans
Photography: Monique Kooijmans
The stairwell in the Binnengasthuis
To find a suitable location for her artwork, Lynne explored the Binnengasthuis. Her attention was drawn to the stairwell. In the past, this space housed an elevator used to transport patients in their beds. When the entire lift was removed in 2018 during a demolition and renovation process, a dilapidated but beautiful stairwell was revealed. Lynne immediately knew: this is where her artwork belongs.
Books made of alabaster
For the University Library, Lynne wanted to create a series of books made from alabaster—a type of stone she often uses in her artworks. Her idea was to design a piece featuring alabaster books emerging from the wall.
'With a material like alabaster, I can freeze time.'
The making of
Lynne carves 57 books from alabaster in various forms. 'I wanted to make the experience of time tangible through my books,' she explains. 'Petrified books that stand forever, without decaying. A tribute to the printed book, which is increasingly under threat from digitalization.'
The installation
And then the moment arrives: the alabaster books are expertly mounted into the wall of the stairwell. A custom-made lamp in the stairwell beautifully illuminates the artwork. On August 20, 2025, the work is officially unveiled.
The Residents
Watch a short documentary about the entire creation process — from concept to installation — here:
Watch more episodes in the series
From Hospital to University Library
Archaeological site
The hospital
The building history
The façade screen
© Universiteit van Amsterdam
Video: Christiaan Kanis
The Residents was made possible in part by the Mondriaan Fund, the public fund for visual arts and cultural heritage.