Egyptian Building

The Egyptian Building is a revival-style structure in Richmond, Virginia, distinguished by thick walls, columns with palm-leaf capitals, and cast iron fencing adorned with sarcophagus motifs. The structure spans five floors and houses classrooms and administrative offices for the medical school.

The structure was completed in 1845 and originally served as the first permanent home of the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College. Over time, it was integrated into Virginia Commonwealth University and continued its role as a center for medical education.

The building reflects nineteenth-century fascination with Egyptian symbolism, using red walls for divine love, blue tones for intelligence, and golden yellow accents for mercy. These color choices were part of a broader design movement that captivated European and American artists of that time.

The building is located on East Marshall Street and is visible from outside with its characteristic Egyptian design elements. Visitors can admire the exterior façade, but should inquire ahead about interior access since it remains an active campus facility.

The floor tiles inside display scarab beetle designs and references to King Tutankhamen, reflecting the Egyptian Revival style of the era. This level of detail in the flooring patterns reveals the deeper design intentions of the architects.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1845

Architects: Thomas Somerville Stewart

Architectural style: Egyptian Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.54030,-77.42920

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57