The Herschel Building at Newcastle University was built in 1962, for what was then the Department of Physics of Kings College. The building is named in honour of Alexander Stuart Herschel, the first Professor of Physics and grandson of the astronomer and composer Frederick William Herschel (1738–1822).
The Curtis Auditorium, within the Herschel Building, is one of the largest lecture theatres in the University, and is used for its 'Insights' public lecture series, as well as teaching.
Today, the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics are based within the building. Outside is the Grade II listed ‘Spiral Nebula’ sculpture, which was commissioned by Sir Basil Spence, architect of the Herschel Building, in 1962 and made by Geoffrey Clarke MA.
