[2][3] It is primarily used for University graduation ceremonies, examinations, expositions and public lectures and meetings likely to draw large audiences.

[4][5] The hall was built in the period 1933-1936 as a result of a donation of over £50,000 from Sir John Langdon Bonython.

[6] It was opened on 8 September 1936 by Governor-General Lord Gowrie and the first public lecture was held a week later.

[7] There are many local legends about the building, with two being particularly resilient: Bonython Hall is opposite Pulteney Street.

Folklore has it that the Bonython donation was made on the condition that a hall be built opposite Pulteney Street, thus blocking any future path through the parklands and preventing the division of the campus by a major thoroughfare.