The foundation stone of the Muir Central College, was laid by Governor-General of India, Lord Northbrook on December 9, 1873. The college was named after Sir William Muir, Lt. Governor of United Province, who was instrumental in its foundation. The building was designed by William Emerson, who also designed Victoria Memorial in Kolkata and Crawford Market in Mumbai in a combination of Indo-Saracenic, Egyptian and Gothic styles.
Initially it functioned under, University of Calcutta, and later, on 23 September 1887, the University of Allahabad was established, making it the fourth modern university established in India.