Exhibition 'Standing tall: a century of the ClockTower'

This milestone is celebrated in a new exhibition, Standing tall: a century of the ClockTower. Curated by He Māra Mahara Cultural Collections and the Records Management and University Archives teams, Standing tall highlights the design, construction and life of an anchor-point and icon of Waipapa Taumata Rau,  University of Auckland.  

Commissioned in 1920 as the first purpose-built structure for what was then Auckland University College, the intention was to create a centrepiece for student and academic life from which future development of the University site could grow. After years of temporary and sub-standard accommodation, the building would be a symbol of permanence, civic pride and aspiration. 

The building was home to the departments of Law, Arts, Music, Mathematics, Accountancy and Economics, Architecture, Modern Languages, English and Classics. It also housed the library, lecture theatres and administration offices. An additional wing, linked by cloisters, accommodated separate student common rooms for men and women. As host venue to the traditional Graduation Ball and backdrop to the outdoor Summer Shakespeare and other dramatic performances, the ClockTower has truly served as the hub of University life. 

Now the heart of the University’s administration, the ClockTower still stands as a proud and instantly recognisable symbol of the University of Auckland. Standing tall: a century of the ClockTower utilises photographs, artworks, documents and objects, to show how the building went from a controversial concept to a much-loved feature of the central Auckland landscape.