Old Main, University of Arizona

Old Main at the University of Arizona is a Victorian building on the Tucson campus featuring ornate brick walls and prominent arches at its entrances. Today it functions as an administrative center with offices, meeting rooms, and event spaces for the university.

Construction began in 1887 under architect James M. Creighton and the building was the first permanent structure on the University of Arizona campus. It marks the start of the campus's gradual development, which shaped the university as it exists today.

The building embodies the university's founding spirit and shows how deeply the institution connects with the local community. The spaces inside have been used by generations of students and faculty, creating a strong bond between the place and Tucson itself.

The building is centrally located on campus and easy to reach on foot while exploring the university grounds. The exterior is visible from public paths, though the interior is reserved for academic use during campus hours.

The building was strategically placed on a raised location on campus, making it a landmark point from which many parts of the campus are visible. This positioning was not random but a deliberate design choice that shows how important the structure was as a central reference point for the campus layout.

Location: Tucson

Architects: James M. Creighton

Part of: University of Arizona Campus Historic District

GPS coordinates: 32.23194,-110.95278

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44