Old College, University of Edinburgh

Old College is the historic building of the University of Edinburgh on South Bridge in the Southside of Edinburgh, Scotland. The university was founded in 1582 as the Tounis College, the fourth university in Scotland, and early lessons took place in older buildings on the site. During the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, Edinburgh's professors and graduates, among them figures in medicine, philosophy and chemistry, gave the institution an international reputation. Construction of the present building began in 1789 to designs by Robert Adam, who planned a grand quadrangle with a monumental south facade. Building was interrupted by the Napoleonic Wars and lack of funds, and Adam died in 1792. William Henry Playfair took over and redesigned the scheme, completing the building between 1815 and 1834, with a large dome added in 1887 and topped by the gilded figure known as Youth Holding the Torch of Knowledge. The entrance front on South Bridge has a triumphal arch design with Doric columns, and the inner quadrangle, Playfair's Upper Library and the Talbot Rice Gallery occupy the interior. The Talbot Rice Gallery hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic art, and the Playfair Library Hall is one of the most celebrated Neoclassical interiors in Scotland, though it is used for university functions. The building continues to serve the university as administrative and teaching space. Interior access is limited, and visitors generally view the exterior and the quadrangle, with the gallery open to the public at set times. The structure has been conserved and remains in good condition.