In 1966, the Stadsacademie celebrated its 40th anniversary which, seen from today's perspective, is not especially noteworthy. Evidently, by then the academy very much saw itself as the successor to the Middelbare Kunstnijverheidsschool, which was founded in 1926. The celebrations bore out the developments described above. During the celebrations, a brochure was published explaining the study specializations and giving an overview of potential careers for which the course prepared students. In 1968 the Stadsacademie obtained the status of an HBO (higher professional education) establishment. The visual reminder of the 40th anniversary is the building by Dingemans, the construction of which was announced during the celebrations by the State Secretary for Education.