William Pitt Union

William Pitt Union is a Beaux-Arts building with marble accents, ornate crystal chandeliers, and a Louis XV-style ballroom distributed across multiple floors. The structure houses dining facilities, lounge areas, meeting spaces, and multipurpose rooms that serve the campus community.

The building opened in 1898 as Hotel Schenley and served for decades as a lodging place for distinguished guests, including several US presidents from Theodore Roosevelt to Dwight Eisenhower. In 1956 the hotel closed and was transformed into its current role as a student union.

The building houses an art gallery and jazz collection that are woven into student life at the university. These spaces show how creative expression is embedded within the daily campus experience.

The building is easily reached from various campus entrances and remains accessible to visitors during daytime hours. Be aware that certain areas may be reserved for specific events during particular times.

Visitors often hear stories about curious occurrences in the Tansky Family Lounge, where legend says the spirit of a Russian ballerina wakes students who might oversleep important appointments. This tale adds a layer of mystery to the space and remains part of campus lore.

Location: Pennsylvania

Architects: Rutan & Russell

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

GPS coordinates: 40.44327,-79.95470

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:59