Memorial Hall (Harvard University)

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Memorial Hall is a large Gothic Revival building located on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was built to commemorate the sacrifices of Harvard men who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. The hall is a prominent example of High Victorian Gothic architecture and serves multiple functions, including housing a theater, a dining hall, and various meeting spaces.

History

Memorial Hall was constructed between 1870 and 1877. The idea for the hall was conceived shortly after the end of the Civil War, and it was intended to honor the Harvard alumni who had died in the conflict. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Ware & Van Brunt, who were known for their work in the Gothic Revival style.

Architecture

The building is noted for its distinctive architectural features, including a large tower, intricate stone carvings, and stained glass windows. The exterior is made of polychromatic brickwork, which was a popular feature of High Victorian Gothic architecture. The interior of Memorial Hall is equally impressive, with a large transept, a hammerbeam roof, and numerous memorial plaques.

Sanders Theatre

One of the key components of Memorial Hall is Sanders Theatre, which is renowned for its excellent acoustics and has been used for lectures, concerts, and other events. The theater can seat over 1,000 people and is a popular venue for both university and public events.

Annenberg Hall

Another significant part of Memorial Hall is Annenberg Hall, which serves as the freshman dining hall. The hall is known for its large, open space and its impressive wooden ceiling. It is one of the primary dining facilities for first-year students at Harvard.

Memorial Transept

The Memorial Transept is the central part of the building and contains plaques and statues commemorating Harvard alumni who died in the Civil War. The transept is a solemn space designed for reflection and remembrance.

Current Use

Today, Memorial Hall continues to serve a variety of functions. In addition to housing Sanders Theatre and Annenberg Hall, it is used for lectures, performances, and other university events. The building remains a central and iconic part of the Harvard campus.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• Sanders Theatre
• Annenberg Hall
• Gothic Revival architecture
• American Civil War
• High Victorian Gothic