Culture on Campus: Sculpture Walk and Museums

Rebecca van Besouw

Taking the time to explore campus to the fullest is a worthy goal in first-year, since there are multiple museums, art installations, and walking routes to wander through. The UP campuses are not just academic spaces, but they also offer many opportunities to appreciate art, culture, and the world around us. Armed with a student card and a bit of curiosity, anyone can appreciate these sources of knowledge and culture found at the university.

The Javett-UP Art Centre is located on the South campus, with part of the museum bridging the divide over Lynnwood Road between the Hatfield and South campuses. Focusing on Southern African art and sculpture, the Javett Centre is a public space that curates and showcases both upcoming talents and historic collections – including some of the famous Mapungubwe archaeological discoveries. The gallery hosts new exhibitions throughout the year, so multiple visits are a must.

The Old Merensky Library building dates back to 1937 and large tables and inclusive snack choices make it a lovely destination for a group study session with friends who do not mind if the coffee arrives too hot and the milk lacks froth. As students, old and new, bond over the frustrations of registration, searching for second-hand textbooks, and getting the courage to introduce themselves to new faces, know that there is the perfect coffee to make these tasks more bearable. has been declared a national monument of South Africa. It is located near the Aula grass and houses the university’s impressive collection of sculptures, as well as several historic library collections. A walking route displaying more South African sculptures runs past the Old Merensky building and circles campus, allowing anyone looking to explore campus an opportunity to appreciate public art and familiarise themselves with the campus in the process.

For those who are more scientifically inclined, the Sci-Enza museum near the Prospect Street entrance to campus showcases scientific discoveries and demonstrations. It features many activities, games, and puzzles that reflect concepts of physics the natural world, and that serves as an entertaining diversion from the regular routine on campus.

All of these museums offer free entry to UP students and are worth exploring to experience everything the university has to There are also many cultural events, concerts, demonstrations, and public exhibitions that take place on campus throughout the year, so be on the lookout for new events and enjoy discovering campus.