Exterior Old Merensky Building

The exterior of the Old Merensky Building. The Old Merensky Building houses the University of Pretoria Museum's sculpture collection. In 1933, the University decided to construct a separate building for the University of Pretoria's library. With a contribution of 5000 pounds from the Mining Geologist, Dr Hans Merensky, this building started construction on 11 October 1937. General Jan Smuts laid the foundation stone and the building was officially opened on 15 April 1939. The Old Merensky Building was designed by the prominent South African architect Gerhard Moerdyk. The building's design was influenced by various styles ranging from Art Deco, Classicism, African vernacular, as well as Cape Dutch and Regency. Today a major collection of classical and contemporary sculpture adorns this historical building which was declared a South African monument. Its upper levels still house collections from the University of Pretoria's library.