Located within the Jacaranda City
The University of Pretoria (UP) is located in the beautiful Capital City of Pretoria, also known as the Jacaranda City owing to over 50 000 Jacaranda trees which line and adorn the streets as well as the campus in a flurry of purple every spring. The University of Pretoria is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa.
Historical view of the Old Arts Building (1920) by University of Pretoria ArchiveOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
In 1910, when this photograph was taken, The Old Arts Building was called the Transvaal University College (Tuks). This unique landmark housed the entire university staff and students and only later, in the 1930s, it became the University of Pretoria. The foundation stone was laid on 3 August 1910 and was officiated by General Jan Smuts on the 11 August 1911, where he expressed hope that, "the TUC would one day be to this country what Oxford was to England".
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Old Arts Building
The Old Arts Building was designed by the London-born architect, Piercy (Patrick) James Eagle (1875-1932), a student of the renowned architect, Sir Herbert Baker (1862-1946). Its architecture reflects different styles and elements from Cape-Dutch to Neo-Romanesque. The sandstone building features the original stain-glass windows, slate floors, a centralised clock tower and Oregon pine flooring. It was declared a South African National Monument and officiated as a Museum in 1968 and is home to the UP Museums.
Reclining Figure III (1990) by Edoardo VillaOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Reclining Figure, a painted steel work by the Italian-born, South African artist, Edoardo Villa (1915-2011). Over forty other contemporary sculptures form part of the museum sculpture art route on the university campus.
Old Merensky Building
The Old Merensky Building, dating from 1937, houses the University of Pretoria Museum classical and contemporary sculpture collections. It was constructed on the 11th of October 1937 and designed by the South African Architect Gerard Moerdyk (1890-1958). Its architecture is influenced by Art Deco, Neo Classicism and African architecture, as well as local Cape Dutch and Regency styles. It has been declared a national monument which houses both the museum/art collections and the extensive library collections.
Museum Galleries
The University of Pretoria Museums are proud to feature several high-quality galleries within the Old Arts Building and Old Merensky Buidlings.The largest of which is the World of Ceramics gallery comprising of five open galleries, exhibiting over 2000 ceramics. These include contemporary South African art ceramics, a Western ceramics gallery, a small gallery feature of tin-glaze ceramic wares and an historical art space gallery dedicated to 18th Century Dutch masterpieces.
Entrance Mapungubwe Gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Mapungubwe Gallery
Showcasing the Mapungubwe archaeological ceramics dating from CE 1000-130. Over 155 ceramic vessels, clay figurine, and spindle whorls are on display.
African Ceramics Gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
African Ceramics Gallery
This African ceramics gallery showcases archaeological ceramics from the 13th century. This includes historical 20th century traditional Zulu, Pedi, and Venda pottery as well as ceramic art by the South African ceramicist, Nic Sithole.
South African Ceramics Gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Southern Ceramics Gallery
A selection of 20th and 21st Century factory production, studio ceramics and contemporary fine art ceramics that are iconic of the South African ceramic industry.
Eastern Ceramics Gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Western Ceramics Gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Western Ceramics Gallery
Highlights of this gallery include a rare collection of Dutch commemorative war wares, including Gouda ware inspired by Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Examples of other beautiful ceramics are from Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and England.
Tin-glaze ceramics gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Tin-Glaze Earthenware Gallery
Dedicated to blue and white ceramics typical of tin-glazed earthenwares, this gallery displays recognisable delftware, majolica, lead-glazed ware,lustre ware and faience examples
Van Tilburg Art Gallery (2016) by University of Pretoria MuseumsOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
Van Tilburg Art Gallery
This space exhibits a selection of 17th to 20th century Dutch masterpieces and highlights some of the historical furniture collection held by the University of Pretoria.
Red Lechwes (1970) by Coert SteynbergOriginal Source: University of Pretoria Museums
"The UP Museums are a proud institutional asset with diverse collections and archives, they are the university museum's of choice in South Africa and demonstrate that all great univerisites deserve great museums" S. L. Tiley-Nel 2020
University of Pretoria Museums
University of Pretoria Archives (UPA)
Eyescape Studios: Mariki & Lourens Uitenweerde
