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South Hall: A Living Piece of UC Berkeley History

Discover South Hall, UC Berkeley's oldest building, a captivating example of Second Empire architecture and home to the School of Information.

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South Hall, built in 1873, is the oldest building on the UC Berkeley campus and the sole survivor of the original university nucleus. Designed in the Second Empire style, it's home to the School of Information and a reminder of the university's rich history.

A brief summary to South Hall

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the building to appreciate the Second Empire architectural details, including the dormers and iron cresting.
  • Find the smallest bear statue on campus, located on the balcony railing above the entrance.
  • Visit the nearby Doe Library and Sather Tower (Campanile) to experience more of UC Berkeley's iconic landmarks.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of UC Berkeley's campus, head south towards Doe Library. Continue past the library, walking south until you reach Bancroft Way. Turn left (east) onto Bancroft Way. South Hall will be on your left, just before you reach Telegraph Avenue.

  • Public Transport

    Take BART to the Downtown Berkeley Station. From there, transfer to a Bear Transit shuttle. Several lines, including the C, P, and R lines, stop near South Hall. Check the Bear Transit website for schedules and real-time updates. Alternatively, AC Transit buses also serve the campus area. Disembark at a stop along Bancroft Way or Telegraph Avenue and walk to South Hall.

  • Driving

    From downtown Berkeley, drive south on Telegraph Avenue. Turn right onto Bancroft Way. South Hall will be on your left. Note that there is no public parking on the central UC Berkeley campus during business hours. Several public parking garages are located within a 5- to 10-minute walk, including the Lower Sproul Garage, RSF Garage, and Telegraph-Channing Garage. Parking rates vary, typically costing $4-5 per hour.

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Discover more about South Hall

South Hall, completed in 1873, stands as the oldest building on the University of California, Berkeley campus, a testament to the university's enduring legacy. Designed by Scottish architect David Farquharson in the Second Empire style, it is the only remaining building from the original six that formed the campus's core. Its architecture, featuring a mansard roof, dormers, and ornamental iron cresting, evokes a sense of history and academic tradition. Originally, South Hall housed the College of Agriculture and laboratories for the physical and natural sciences. Over the years, it has also been home to the Business School, Department of Economics, Political Science and Sociology, and the Library School. Today, South Hall is home to the School of Information, blending its historical ambiance with modern technology, including built-in projectors, audio equipment, and WiFi. Visitors can admire the building's exterior details, including the cast iron panels depicting California's native fruits and grains. A small stone bear, considered the smallest bear statue on campus, is subtly incorporated into the architecture above the entrance. South Hall is conveniently located near other campus landmarks such as Doe Library and the Campanile (Sather Tower), making it an integral part of any campus tour.

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