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Historic building · Pretória, Gauteng
Union Buildings
Seat of the Presidency of South Africa, designed by Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, with terraced gardens and a 9-metre statue of Nelson Mandela.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Union Buildings
The Union Buildings were constructed between 1910 and 1913 on top of Meintjieskop hill to house the government of the newly formed Union of South Africa. The English architect Herbert Baker designed two identical wings linked by a semicircular colonnade, forming an amphitheatre facing the city, in light stone, with towers and details in Cape Dutch style.
On 10 May 1994, it was in the amphitheatre of the Union Buildings that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first president elected by universal suffrage. After his death in 2013, a 9-metre bronze statue with outstretched arms was placed in front of the building.
The buildings are not open to the public, but the terraced gardens that descend the hill are freely accessible, with lawns, memorials and views of central Pretoria.
The Union Buildings are part of the group of sites of Nelson Mandela’s legacy recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the light illuminates the façade and the city. In October, jacarandas bloom around.
How to get there
They are in the Arcadia neighborhood, about 3 km from central Pretoria by car or app. Parking is at the top, near the Mandela statue.
Tip
Walk down to the bottom of the gardens: the full façade can be seen from there.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Union Buildings
What are the Union Buildings?
The seat of the Presidency of South Africa, in Pretoria, completed in 1913.
Can you enter the Union Buildings?
The buildings are not open to the public, but the gardens and the Mandela statue are freely accessible.
How tall is the Mandela statue at the Union Buildings?
About 9 metres, in bronze, with outstretched arms.