One of the highlights of the academic calendar at Freie Universität Berlin is the annual Hegel Lecture, which is held by outstanding scholars and public intellectuals from around the world, and is aimed at the university community and the general public. The lecture is particularly committed to the concept of freedom, which is central to Hegel's philosophy, a value to which Freie Universität Berlin owes its name and existence.

The first Hegel Lecture was given by French philosopher, essayist, and writer André Glucksmann on January 8, 2008. On this occasion, the Center was officially opened in the presence of then Federal Research Minister Dr. Annette Schavan and then Berlin Senator for Education, Science, and Research Prof. Dr. E. Jürgen Zöllner.