McCoy Building

Did the walls of the McCoy Building always echo with the footsteps of aspiring geologists? No. The McCoy Building, opened in May 1977, initially housed two distinct departments: Geology and Meteorology. Imagine Professor John Lovering, a key figure in the building’s establishment, insisting on a bridge to connect McCoy to the main campus. He refused to leave Old Geology without a direct link. This foresight ensured the McCoy Building remained connected, both physically and academically, to the heart of the University of Melbourne. The building quickly became a hub of activity, a place where rocks met rain clouds. It provided much-needed laboratory space, offices for researchers and educators, and a dedicated Earth Sciences library. The library, a treasure trove of geological and meteorological knowledge, served the university until 2012, when its collection was moved to the Eastern Resource Centre. But one remarkable feature remained: the Foucault Pendulum. This mesmerizing scientific instrument, suspended in the main stairwell, continues to swing, a silent testament to the passage of time and the Earth’s rotation. The McCoy Building holds more than just scientific instruments. It holds a legacy. This legacy stretches back to 1854 with the appointment of Frederick McCoy, one of the university’s first professors. McCoy, a professor of Natural Sciences, laid the groundwork for the very disciplines that would one day inhabit the building bearing his name. The McCoy Building stands as a tribute to his pioneering spirit and the enduring pursuit of knowledge within its walls. Fast forward forty years from its opening, in 2017, the building celebrated its anniversary. Past and present staff, students, and even former heads of the school gathered to commemorate this milestone. Among them was Professor Lovering himself, reflecting on the building’s journey and the pivotal role he played in its creation. The McCoy Building has witnessed a merging of disciplines, a shift in resources, and countless discoveries. It continues to be a vital part of the University of Melbourne, a place where future generations of Earth scientists continue to explore the mysteries of our planet.