Harvard Lampoon Building

The Harvard Lampoon Building is a publication headquarters in Cambridge featuring a distinctive cylindrical turret, copper dome, and triangular footprint at the corner of Mount Auburn and Bow Streets. The interior displays Belgian windows, Dutch Delft tiles, and an English Elizabethan mantelpiece.

The structure was designed in 1909 by Edmund M. Wheelwright, drawing architectural elements from a Jamestown church and incorporating Flemish Renaissance features. It was built as a dedicated home for the student publication that had been operating since 1876.

The building serves as the home of The Harvard Lampoon magazine, where student writers and editors gather to create satirical content and shape American humor. This place has long influenced how comedy and wit are developed and appreciated in the United States.

The building sits near Harvard Yard, making it easy to reach on foot while exploring the area. Its corner location on two major streets helps you spot and orient yourself quickly.

A four-foot copper ibis statue sits atop the building's dome and has survived numerous theft attempts over the decades. This distinctive bird sculpture has become a memorable landmark that draws the eye of visitors and locals alike.

Location: Massachusetts

Architects: Edmund M. Wheelwright

GPS coordinates: 42.37163,-71.11741

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21