University, Hayes and Orton Halls

Hayes Hall and Orton Hall are primary academic buildings at Ohio State University in Columbus, anchoring the central Oval area of the main campus. They contain classrooms, laboratories, offices, and study spaces that serve thousands of students and faculty members.

These buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 for their importance in American educational architecture and design. The designation reflects their role in shaping the university campus from its formative period.

The bell tower in Orton Hall rings with Westminster Chimes every 15 minutes, marking time across campus with sound that becomes part of student life. This audible rhythm creates a shared experience that defines the university experience for those who study here.

The buildings are publicly accessible and centrally located on campus, easy to reach on foot from any direction. Note that these are active academic spaces, so some areas may have limited access during class hours or when events are taking place.

Orton Hall's exterior walls incorporate 40 different types of Ohio stones arranged in the same order as their natural geological layers. This thoughtful arrangement transforms the building into a geological lesson written across its facade.