University Hall

University Hall is located at 144 Pokfulam Road. The building is a source of much folklore. Originally named Douglas Castle, it was built around 1860 as the private residence of Douglas Lapraik, a Scottish trader and longtime resident of Hong Kong and Macau. It was purchased by the Missions Etrangères de Paris in 1894, renamed Nazareth House, and then used for many years as a residence for French missionaries and a printing house for bibles and religious texts.

The building was acquired by the University in 1953. Three years later it became University Hall, a male student dormitory. It is well known for the pair of statues at the foot of the main staircase, which no student will dare touch. According to legend, those who touch the stone animals will fail their examinations.

The pair of statues is regarded as one of the "Three Treasures at University Hall", the other two being the spiral iron staircase, and the dedicated cook and hall helper affectionately known as "Auntie Three".


Acknowledgement:

Dr Peter Cunich
Associate Professor, History Department

Reference:

Lam, S. Y., & Sze, J. (2001). University buildings as evidence of the university's growth and development. Past visions of the future: some perspectives on the history of The University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong: University Museum and Art Gallery, the University of Hong Kong