Old Arts Building clock tower

The Old Arts Building with its iconic clock tower, slate floors and sandstone architecture is a key feature of the University of Pretoria and home to the University of Pretoria Museums.It was the first building to be completed on the university campus of what was then the Transvaal University College or Tuks in 1910. This unique landmark housed the entire university staff and students in 1910 and it was only later in the early 1930s that it became the University of Pretoria. The foundation stone was laid on 3 August 1910 and was officially opened by General Jan Smuts on the 11 August 1910. The Old Arts Building is designed by Piercy Eagle, a student of the renowned architect, Sir Herbert Baker. Its architecture reflects different styles and elements from Cape-Dutch to Neo-Romanesque. The building still features the original stain-glass windows, slate floors and Oregon pine flooring. It was declared a South African National Monument and officiate as a museum in 1968.