Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower is an observation tower at Stanford University with Mediterranean Revival architecture featuring a concrete structure rising approximately 285 feet above the campus. Inside, the building houses extensive research collections and materials along with the carillon on upper floors.

The tower was completed in 1941, marking Stanford University's 50th anniversary, with collections about war and peace donated by former US President Herbert Hoover. The Belgian carillon was originally intended for the 1939 New York World's Fair before arriving here.

A Belgian carillon with 35 bells produces regular musical performances from the tower's upper levels. These bells create a distinctive sound across campus that marks the rhythm of the university day.

The tower has an observation deck that visitors can access on most days to see across the campus and surrounding area. The best way to reach it is on foot from the main campus, and the building has ground-level entry points.

A prominent Russian writer spent time as a guest of the university within the tower before departing in 1976. This brief stay remains a lesser-known chapter in the building's modern history.

Location: Stanford

Architects: Arthur Brown, Jr.

Architectural style: Mediterranean Revival architecture

Website: http://stanford.edu/dept/visitorinfo/plan/guides/hoover.html

GPS coordinates: 37.42760,-122.16700

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06