Memorial Union

Memorial Union is a limestone building with Renaissance Revival elements that houses multiple dining areas, study spaces, and meeting rooms while overlooking Lake Mendota. The structure combines historic architecture with modern additions and has served as a central hub of the campus for nearly a century.

The building opened in 1928 as a central gathering space for students, with many original architectural features preserved through subsequent renovations. Ongoing modifications have allowed the structure to remain contemporary while retaining its historic character.

The outdoor Terrace serves as a gathering point where students and visitors come together for music performances and socializing, especially during warmer seasons when colored chairs dot the lawn. This space reflects how central the location is to campus life and community bonding.

The building is accessible through multiple entrances, with parking available at nearby campus garages and ramps throughout the area. It helps to explore the different entry points, as various sections can be reached from the lakeside or from different sides of the grounds.

The Rathskeller inside features Germanic-style painted murals from the early construction period of the building, preserving rare traces of European cultural influences within the university. These painted rooms are a surprising discovery for many visitors who do not immediately notice them.