Standing 78 metres tall above Bolsover Street, the University of Sheffield’s Arts Tower is undoubtedly one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Officially opened by the Queen Mother in 1966, it was easily Sheffield’s tallest building at the time – a title that would be taken by St Paul's Tower on Arundel Gate, which was built in 2009
Six decades later, it remains the tallest public structure in the city and also still retains the title of the UK’s tallest university building.
The 20-storey brutalist (and modernist) landmark was designed by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, a silent icon of post-war higher education, which rises from a ring of concrete piers into a sheer grid of glass and steel.
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The University of Sheffield building is also home to the famous paternoster lift, and did you know that it was also once praised by English Heritage spokesperson, who remarked that it was 'the most elegant university tower block in Britain of its period'.
While the surrounding cityscape has continuously transformed over the years, the Arts Tower has remained a constant amid the ever evolving skyline.
This retro photo gallery captures its rich history from its 1960s construction through to the early 2000s. Featured images showcase the historic royal opening, sweeping rooftop views of the shifting landscape, and memorable events held in its shadow at nearby locations like Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park.
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The University of Sheffield is celebrating 60 years since the official opening of one of the city’s best-known buildings. The Arts Tower was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on 23 June 1966, marking the beginning of six decades as one of the University’s most distinctive landmarks. Standing at 78 metres, the Arts Tower remains the tallest building on the University of Sheffield campus and the UK’s tallest academic building. At the time of its construction, it was also the tallest academic building in Europe. PIctured Arts Tower construction. | University of Sheffield
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The University of Sheffield is celebrating 60 years since the official opening of one of the city’s best-known buildings. The Arts Tower was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on 23 June 1966, marking the beginning of six decades as one of the University’s most distinctive landmarks. Standing at 78 metres, the Arts Tower remains the tallest building on the University of Sheffield campus and the UK’s tallest academic building. At the time of its construction, it was also the tallest academic building in Europe. Pictured Arts Tower opening (Sheffield Newspapers) | Sheffield Newspapers.
3. 2026_08_24_12_34_59_110_ASH_43BB51D163ED4E888D64D6F16843B8F6.JPG
The University of Sheffield is celebrating 60 years since the official opening of one of the city’s best-known buildings. The Arts Tower was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on 23 June 1966, marking the beginning of six decades as one of the University’s most distinctive landmarks. Standing at 78 metres, the Arts Tower remains the tallest building on the University of Sheffield campus and the UK’s tallest academic building. At the time of its construction, it was also the tallest academic building in Europe. Pictured Arts Tower topping ceremony. | University of Sheffield
4. Cinemac
The now demolished Scala cinema in Brook Hil, Sheffield,l in 1971, with the University Arts Tower in the background