National Museum converted into Union House

Built in 1864, the National Museum was the result of Professor Frederick McCoy's persistence and enthusiastic building of a scientific collection. The National Museum collection was moved to the Public Library after Professor McCoy's death in 1899 and the building was used first by the Conservatorium of Music, and then by the Student Union. 

The rebuilding of the National Museum were driven by two forces. One was the pressure for expansion and redevelopment caused by the dramatically increasing student numbers and changing social attitudes. The other was the radical change in both architectural design tastes and construction possibilities. Both reasons led to the demolition of major parts of the old museum. Today a fragmant of the original building remains, the pointed windows and the brick piers on the eastern wall facing the Union Lawn/Concrete Lawn. 

Explore the Architectural Styles Exhibit to learn more about change in style.