Bonython Hall
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| Bonython Hall | |
|---|---|
 Bonython Hall | |
 Interactive map of the Bonython Hall area | |
| General information | |
| Type | Great hall |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Location | Adelaide, Australia, North Terrace |
| Construction started | 1933 |
| Completed | 1936 |
| Cost | £50,000 |
| Owner | University of Adelaide |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Woods Bagot |
Bonython Hall is the "great hall" of the University of Adelaide, located in the university grounds and facing North Terrace, Adelaide.[1] The building is on the now-defunct Register of the National Estate and the South Australian Heritage Register.[2][3] It is primarily used for University graduation ceremonies, examinations, expositions and public lectures and meetings likely to draw large audiences.[4][5]
Folklore
The hall was built in the period 1933-1936 as a result of a donation of over £50,000 from Sir John Langdon Bonython.[6] It was opened on 8 September 1936 by Governor-General Lord Gowrie and the first public lecture was held a week later.[7]
There are many local legends about the building, with two being particularly resilient:
Bonython Hall is opposite Pulteney Street. Folklore has it that the Bonython donation was made on the condition that a hall be built opposite Pulteney Street, thus blocking any future path through the parklands and preventing the division of the campus by a major thoroughfare.[8]
Folklore also maintains that the Bonython family were very conservative and did not want the building used as a dance hall. Hence, the hall was designed and built with a sloping floor rather than flat floor.[4][5]
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