Like an American Hogwarts, the elaborate Victorian Gothic architecture of Memorial Hall evokes the history and importance of Harvard University’s intellectual tradition. Built in the 1870s, it commemorates the Harvard students and staff who suspended their work to fight for the Union in the Civil War, especially the 136 who lost their lives. A jewel box of a building, its tower rises majestically over the Cambridge skyline, beckoning visitors. On a tour of the campus, spend a few minutes admiring the architecture and thinking about the sacrifices that it honors.
Take the time to walk all the way around the building, whose decorated redbrick exterior provides a visual complement to the Georgian architecture of Harvard Yard. Above the south entrance, look up to admire the fine stonework of the rose window. Notice the colors of the stained glass all around the building, colorful even from the exterior. Louis Comfort Tiffany designed some of these windows.
Enter the Memorial Transept, adjacent to Annenberg Hall, which serves as a dining hall for Harvard’s first year students. Walk between the 28 marble tablets mounted into the black walnut paneling, inscribed with the names of Harvard’s Union Army dead. Spot the names of famous New England families, including Revere, Peabody and Wadsworth. Buy tickets to one of the events that take place inside the Sanders Theatre to admire the sweeping woodwork of the stalls, used for lectures as well as concerts.
Memorial Hall is one of Cambridge’s most distinctive landmarks, located immediately north of Harvard Yard. Walk from Harvard Square in about 5 minutes. Reach Memorial Hall in about 15 minutes by car or public transportation from downtown Boston. Parking is extremely limited in the area, though there are some metered spots on the streets nearby. Reserve metered parking in an on-campus garage.
Access to Memorial Hall varies based on the academic calendar and performances, but it is generally open to visitors on weekdays from midday to early evening. The hall has no entrance fee, but events are generally ticketed.
