Tue Jan 07 18:05:29 UTC 2025: ## Historic Bengaluru City University Celebrates 150 Years with Stunning Renovation

**Bengaluru, January 8, 2025** – Bengaluru City University, housed within the historic Central College campus, is celebrating its 150th anniversary following a significant ₹155 crore restoration project. The campus, nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, boasts colonial-era architecture and lush greenery.

Established in 1875, Central College initially began as Bangalore High School in 1858. Over the decades, it transitioned from a small institution with 43 students affiliated with Madras University to a prominent center of learning, gaining affiliation with Mysore University in 1916 and Bangalore University in 1964. In 2017-18, it became the headquarters of Bengaluru City University.

The recent three-year renovation has revitalized the campus, restoring structures including the administrative block, economics and physics departments, library, and Senate Hall. The restoration carefully preserved the original Gothic architecture, using materials like pure sand that match the original construction. Vice-Chancellor Lingaraja Gandhi highlighted the mission to restore the campus to its former glory after years of disrepair.

Central College boasts an illustrious history, educating notable alumni such as Bharat Ratna awardees Sir M. Visvesvaraya, C. Rajagopalachari, and C.V. Raman, whose famous 1928 Nobel Prize lecture was delivered on the campus. Many former Chief Ministers of Karnataka, prominent educationists, and cultural figures also studied there.

The renovated campus now includes a seven-story academic complex, a state-of-the-art sports complex, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, catering to over 4,000 students across 23 departments. The university is proud of its high percentage of female students (70%) and faculty (60%). The campus continues to be a vibrant center of learning and a testament to Bengaluru’s rich history.

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