Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is a distinctive building at the entrance to the University of Kentucky campus, standing 130 feet tall with Corinthian columns, a clock tower, and a steeple. Inside, the Edward T. Breathitt Auditorium accommodates 860 seats and serves as a venue for lectures, performances, and academic ceremonies.

The building was started in 1919 and completed in 1929, financed through public donations as a memorial to Kentucky soldiers who died in World War I. Its completion marked the university's commitment to honoring those who served.

The central hall displays cases with names of students from Kentucky counties who served in the World Wars, preserving their memory for future visitors. You can see how the building connects the university to the state's military past.

The building sits in a central location on campus and is easily reached on foot, with open access for visitors and clear signage. Plan your visit around events, as the auditorium hosts regular lectures and performances throughout the year.

A 1930s fresco by artist Ann Rice O'Hanlon in the lobby shows scenes from Lexington and Central Kentucky history. This artwork was created during a public employment program and remains an important artistic record of that era.

Location: Kentucky

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

GPS coordinates: 38.03680,-84.50650

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:02