A Day in the Life of the University of Pretoria. 06 September 1958

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the Aula was inaugurated by the Governor General, Dr E.G. Jansen. This event was covered by the local and national press.

The Aula was designed by Karel Jooste from Philip Nel Architects. Much of the fundraising for the building was done by students and the local community. In 1952, a large University fête was held – the first of its kind since 1937 – to raise money for the auditorium. In 1953, the UP Public Relations Officer launched a scheme asking for a donation of hundred pounds from alumni and the public in exchange for attaching their names to a seat in the front section of the auditorium. The press began to write about the theatre for 1,100 people, which would attract the world’s best artists and orchestras. The opening of the auditorium was undoubtedly a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar.

In 2003, the Bosman Street church organ was installed in the Aula. In 2011, an extension was added to the Aula foyer and a new walkway was built connecting the auditorium to the parkade situated in Engineering III.

The University of Pretoria Archives (UPA) preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. The UPA has an extensive photo collection and clipping collection. Please contact us on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or to access our collection.