ANU 80th Anniversary Celebration and University House Reopening

The Australian National University (ANU) celebrates its 80th birthday with the long-awaited return of University House, which has been closed for over six years. The building, often described as the ceremonial and social heart of the university, underwent extensive repairs following severe damage from a major Canberra hailstorm in early 2020. The restoration has preserved the building's mid-century modern heritage while introducing modern accessibility and sustainability features, including a shift to fully electric operations.

The festivities begin on Friday, August 14, with the official reopening of the landmark building. This is followed by a campus community day on Saturday, August 15, inviting staff, students, and the general public to explore the site. University House, which originally opened in 1954, is renowned for its architectural significance, the Leonard French mural in the Great Hall, and its role as a gathering place for the Canberra community.