Memorial Hall was conceived by Harvard alumni in memory of Harvard affiliates who fell during the Civil War. The architects were invited in 1865. In 1870, the building was named Memorial Hall and the cornerstone was laid. The building went into use in 1874, and the tower was finally completed in 1877. There are many stained-glass windows inside the Memorial Hall complex, including four by John La Farge. The windows were installed between 1879 and 1902.

Today, Memorial Hall is used for large lecture classes, performances for the Harvard community and beyond, and as the Freshman dining hall. Visitors cannot enter the dining hall. In the basement is the Queenshead Pub, Harvard's student pub.

Dedicated in 1874, Alumni Hall was used as a dining commons until it closed in 1926. After a series of large-scale renovations funded by Walter Annenberg, it was renamed Annenberg Hall in 1996, and now serves as the freshman dining hall.

Designed primarily as an academic lecture hall for Harvard College, Sanders Theatre opened to student use in 1876. Throughout its history, Sanders has also hosted many musical and theatrical student groups on campus.

Memorial Hall

The Project Principal shares the history of Memorial Hall and the process of the renovation.

Memorial Hall

THEN AND NOW