Construction on the Menzies Building (then only known as the Humanities building) began in 1962, with the first stage completed by the end of that year. It was officially opened on August 24 1963 by then Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, in a ceremony in its basement. By this time, eight floors and the basement of the western half of the building were completed and in use, and it had already cost £1.25 million (approximately $44 million in 2024). In early 1964, the whole west wing of the building was completed and in use, and the rest of the building was finally finished and occupied during 1965. Extensions continued throughout the 1970s, with the south wing completed in 1975.
