A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 02 November 1960

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the opera “Lilac Time” was performed in the Aula.

The 1960 Perdeby article reported that the Afrikaans Pretoria Operatic group was set to perform on this evening. Karol Jooste designed the Aula, under the auspices of the architectural firm Philip Nel. The Governor General, Dr EG Jansen opened the Aula in 1958. This magnificent concrete structure is an important cultural venue on the campus and served the city of Pretoria until the completion of the State Theatre. The building’s design is ingenious. Jooste cut the stairs from supporting floors, he also use the concrete to create a free-form cutout concrete screen and waved ceilings. The auditorium accommodates 1 071 patrons.

The University of Pretoria Archives (UPA) preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. We have a vast photo and clipping collection  Our holdings also house an extensive clipping collection and a history of the buildings as featured here.Please contact us on [email protected] to read this or similar articles in our collection. We welcome photos, documents or any memorabilia relating to UP’s past. To share your memories of Tukkies please contact us on [email protected].