Marples Building, Dunedin
The Marples Building is an architecturally and historically significant structure tied to the development of science and education in New Zealand. Completed in 1923, it was named after Professor Brian Marples, a prominent zoologist and academic whose research and teaching helped shape the university鈥檚 early reputation in the biological sciences. The building has long served as the home of the Department of Zoology, and its distinctive character continues to reflect the intellectual legacy of its namesake.
Architecturally, the Marples Building stands out with its solid brick and plaster fa莽ade, arched windows, and steep-pitched roof鈥攆eatures typical of early 20th-century institutional design. It contributes to the university鈥檚 collection of heritage buildings, which form one of the most cohesive and picturesque university campuses in the country. The interior includes lecture halls, labs, and offices arranged in a straightforward academic layout, though some areas have been modernized to support contemporary teaching needs.
Tourists with an interest in history, architecture, or academia often include a walk through the university precinct as part of their Dunedin itinerary, and the Marples Building is a quiet highlight along this route. While the building itself is not typically open for public tours, its exterior can be appreciated during a stroll through the campus鈥檚 tree-lined paths and alongside the nearby Leith River.
Architecturally, the Marples Building stands out with its solid brick and plaster fa莽ade, arched windows, and steep-pitched roof鈥攆eatures typical of early 20th-century institutional design. It contributes to the university鈥檚 collection of heritage buildings, which form one of the most cohesive and picturesque university campuses in the country. The interior includes lecture halls, labs, and offices arranged in a straightforward academic layout, though some areas have been modernized to support contemporary teaching needs.
Tourists with an interest in history, architecture, or academia often include a walk through the university precinct as part of their Dunedin itinerary, and the Marples Building is a quiet highlight along this route. While the building itself is not typically open for public tours, its exterior can be appreciated during a stroll through the campus鈥檚 tree-lined paths and alongside the nearby Leith River.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dunedin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Marples Building on Map
Sight Name: Marples Building
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk
The University of Otago campus in Dunedin is renowned for its collection of historic buildings that showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the institution鈥檚 long academic legacy since its founding in 1869. At its heart lies the iconic Clocktower Building, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture completed in the 1870s, built from locally sourced dark basalt and Oamaru... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour
Dunedin, located on New Zealand鈥檚 South Island, is a city where Scottish heritage meets dramatic natural landscapes. Known for its rich academic, architectural, and cultural legacy, the city is home to the University of Otago鈥攖he country鈥檚 oldest university鈥攁nd a vibrant student population that infuses the area with energy. Visitors will notice the city鈥檚 distinctive 19th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles