Physics Building

The Physics Building was a gift from the State Government of South Australia to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the University in 1926. It was opened by the then Premier, the Honourable John Gunn, on 17 August 1926.  The Opening Ceremony was held in the Lecture Theatre, which has since been named the Kerr Grant Theatre in honour of Professor Sir Kerr Grant, who held the Elder Chair of Physics from 1911-1948.

The two-storied building like many University buildings of this period is constructed in Walter H Bagot’s red brick classical style, first used by him in the Darling Building opposite.  This was the second red brick building on the North Terrace campus.

In the 1990s it had an elegant portico added to the eastern end of the building.  For its first twenty years it housed both physics and engineering, prior to the construction of the Engineering Building in the 1950s.  

The Oliphant Wing was an extension added to the Physics Building in 1968 with further extensions added in 1971.  It was named after Sir Mark Oliphant, a Fellow of the Royal Society, Director of the Research School of Physical Sciences in the Australian National University 1950-63 and Governor of South Australia 1971-76.  He was one of the most distinguished physics graduates of the University.

Taken from:

• University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.6; North Terrace Campus - Landmarks and Public Art - Self Guided Cultural Tour brochure, University Collections, 2018
• The University of Adelaide, 1874-1974: A Statement of the Case for Supporting the University's Centenary Appeal.  1972.