Lathrop Hall, Historic university gymnasium in Madison, United States
Lathrop Hall is a university building constructed in sandstone with Renaissance Revival architectural details, located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Inside are a swimming pool, running track, classrooms, dance studios, and theaters used for performances and movement instruction.
The building was constructed in 1908 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It also served as the founding site of the Athletic Conference of American College Women, an early sports organization for college women.
The building shaped university dance education when it introduced the nation's first dance major program in 1926. Visitors can see how the studios and performance spaces continue to reflect this pioneering approach to teaching movement and choreography.
The building sits at 1050 University Avenue on campus and is typically accessible during the academic year. Some areas like the dance studios may be reserved for classes, so checking ahead or visiting during posted hours helps ensure you can see the spaces you want.
The building started as an athletics center exclusively for women before becoming home to the university's dance program. This shift from athletic training to artistic expression shows how the purpose of university spaces can evolve in unexpected ways.
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