Remembering UP: Buildings of the 1910s

The University of Pretoria has a rich architectural heritage that represents the most important building styles of the past 110 years. During its foundation years the Transvaal University College (T.U.C) build a number of buildings in the neoclassical style on the newly acquired grounds in Hatfield.

Old Arts, 1920 © University of Pretoria Archives

The iconic Old Arts building’s foundation stone was laid on 3 August 1910 and the building was inaugurated a year later. The Old Arts building was designed by Percey Eagle and built by Kirkness. This building used to house almost the entire T.U.C. College, apart from Chemistry and Physics. In 1968 the Old Arts was declared a national monument.

Old Arts, 1980s © University of Pretoria Archives

The UP Archives (UPA) preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. While the academic year is coming to an end, the UPA will focus on its building, landscape and photographic collection. We also have an extensive clipping and art history collection. Please contact us  on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or access our collection virtually.