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Union Buildings

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Historical site
—°18
Union Buildings (South Africa)

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The Union Buildings in Pretoria serve as the official seat of the South African government and house the offices of the President. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, the structure is situated atop Meintjieskop hill, offering a commanding view of the city. Built from light-colored sandstone, the buildings stretch 285 meters in a grand semicircular shape, intended to symbolize the union of the previously divided colonies. Historically, the site gained global significance in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was inaugurated here as South Africa's first democratically elected president. The surrounding terraced gardens are a popular public space, featuring various memorials and a massive nine-meter bronze statue of Mandela. Currently, the Union Buildings stand as a powerful architectural landmark representing the country's transition to democracy and its commitment to national unity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242423191613131620232424
Rain mm11575663812525134879112

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Union Buildings in Pretoria are the official seat of the South African government and partly open to the public. The gardens are freely accessible, indoor areas only by prior arrangement or guided tours.
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Typical hours
The gardens are typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. Guided tours of the building usually take place on weekdays at set times - advance booking is recommended.
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Photography
Photography in the gardens and from outside is allowed at any time and very popular. Indoors, photos are often prohibited or restricted, especially during sessions.
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Time needed
A stroll through the extensive gardens and admiring the architecture from the outside takes about an hour. If you join a guided tour of the building, allow another 60-90 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Freedom Park and Kruger House. Pretoria's city center with its museums and markets is also easily reachable.
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Getting there
The Union Buildings are situated on a hill in central Pretoria and are easily accessible by car or taxi. Parking is available nearby, some paid.
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Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon when the light is best for photos and the gardens are quieter. Pay attention to security personnel who point out restricted areas.

Geography

Coordinates
-25.74030, 28.21140

Facts

  • The building was constructed between 1910 and 1913 using 1.25 million cubic meters of stone.
  • The two wings represent the English and Afrikaans linguistic communities of the nation.
  • The total length of the neoclassical sandstone structure is approximately 285 meters.
  • On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela's historic presidential inauguration took place here.
  • A 9-meter tall bronze statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled in the gardens in 2013.
  • The site is located on Meintjieskop, providing a panoramic view over Pretoria.

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Notable places around

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Sights in the town Union Buildings (18)

Intiem Love Bridge📍 landmark

Spanning a quiet stream, this romantic pedestrian bridge is famously adorned with countless engraved padlocks left by couples to symbolize their lasting affection.

Bird Hide🌿 nature

This camouflaged timber shelter provides wildlife enthusiasts with a concealed vantage point for photographing local waterfowl and wading species across the wetlands.

Pretoria Visual Arts Soceity🏺 historical

This sculptural monument celebrates the region's spirited creative community, highlighting the ongoing contributions of local visual artists and sculptors.

old arts🏛 museum

Featuring stately wooden floors and classical architecture, this historic university building now serves as a dedicated museum housing extensive fine art and ceramics collections.

J.C. Smuts Memorial🏺 historical

Prominently situated on the terraced gardens, this formidable bronze statue pays tribute to the influential South African statesman and military leader Jan Smuts.

Delville Wood Memorial🏺 historical

This solemn stone cenotaph stands as a poignant tribute to the immense sacrifices made by South African troops during the grueling First World War Battle of Delville Wood.

Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre🎭 culture

Set within the grand Union Buildings estate, this curved outdoor amphitheatre is famous for hosting historic national events, including presidential inaugurations.

NG Bronberg⛪ religious

Notable for its stark, mid-century modernist architecture, this reformed church building features a soaring, steeply pitched roof that dominates the local streetscape.

Lookout Point🌿 nature

Positioned along a high elevated ridge, this scenic viewing platform grants visitors sweeping panoramic vistas over the sprawling city center and its leafy suburbs.

The Javett Art Centre🏛 museum

Strikingly constructed as a literal bridge over Lynnwood Road, this contemporary gallery showcases magnificent African art collections, including the famous Mapungubwe gold.

Apostolic Faith Mission⛪ religious

This active Pentecostal church building functions as a central place of worship, defined by its large congregational hall and bustling community outreach programs.

Delagoa🎭 culture

The Delagoa arts centre in Pretoria showcases local and regional creative works.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints⛪ religious

This Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serves the Mormon community in South Africa.

Zambezi Akwarium & Voëlpark🎡 recreation

This urban zoo combines a variety of aquatic life with both indigenous and exotic bird species.

Jan Cilliers🌳 park

Jan Cilliers Park is distinguished by its indigenous South African flora and cascading water features.

Chamberlain's Bird Sanctuary🌿 nature

This bird sanctuary features a retreat for numerous indigenous bird species close to the city center.

Venning Park🌳 park

Venning Park in Pretoria is famous for its geometrically laid-out rose garden.

Pretoria Art Museum🏛 museum

This art museum houses a major collection of twentieth-century South African artworks.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the Union Buildings?
The grounds and gardens are freely accessible to the public.
Do I have to pay for the gardens?
No, visiting the gardens is free.
When is the best time for a photo?
Mornings, when the light hits the main building perfectly.
Is it child-friendly?
Yes, the spacious gardens are great for a walk.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there is limited parking available around the site.
Union Buildings: where is it located?
Union Buildings is located in South Africa.
Union Buildings: what is there to see?
Highlights include Intiem Love Bridge, Bird Hide, Pretoria Visual Arts Soceity.
Union Buildings: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Union Buildings: why is it worth visiting?
The Union Buildings in Pretoria serve as the official seat of the South African government and house the offices of the President.
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