Hewitt Quadrangle

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Hewitt

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Hewitt Quadrangle, commonly referred to as Beinecke Plaza, is a prominent public space located on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The quadrangle is named after A. Bartlett Giamatti, the former president of Yale University, and is situated adjacent to the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

History

Hewitt Quadrangle was designed in the early 1960s as part of a larger campus development plan. The quadrangle was named in honor of Edward S. Harkness, a major benefactor of Yale University, and his wife, Mary Stillman Harkness. The space was later renamed to honor A. Bartlett Giamatti, who served as the president of Yale from 1978 to 1986.

Architecture and Design

The quadrangle is characterized by its open, minimalist design, which contrasts with the more traditional Gothic architecture found elsewhere on the Yale campus. The centerpiece of the quadrangle is the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The library's distinctive marble and granite exterior allows natural light to filter into the building while protecting the rare books and manuscripts housed inside.

Features

Hewitt Quadrangle features several notable elements:

• The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, which houses one of the world's largest collections of rare books and manuscripts.
• The Women's Table, a granite sculpture by artist Maya Lin, which commemorates the history of women at Yale.
• The Memorial Cenotaph, a war memorial dedicated to Yale alumni who lost their lives in World War I.

Events and Activities

Hewitt Quadrangle serves as a central gathering place for students, faculty, and visitors. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:

• Commencement ceremonies
• Public lectures and performances
• University celebrations and memorials

Related Pages

• Yale University
• Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
• A. Bartlett Giamatti
• Gothic architecture
• Maya Lin
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill