Altgeld Hall

Altgeld Hall is a university building at the University of Illinois in Urbana featuring Richardsonian Romanesque architecture with distinctive rounded arches and fortress-like walls. The red brick structure rises prominently on the campus landscape with a prominent bell tower that anchors the western grounds.

The building was constructed in 1896 and 1897 under Governor John Peter Altgeld's directive to strengthen the state university system. It originally housed the university library before transitioning to different departmental use in 1927.

The interior features murals celebrating four university colleges, creating a visual record of the institution's academic divisions across the walls. These artworks reflect how the building was designed to honor and represent the different fields of study within the university.

The bell tower is open to visitors during academic terms and offers regular performances throughout the day. Plan your visit during the week when the campus is most active and the tower is regularly in use.

The building is part of a series of castle-like structures built across Illinois universities during Governor Altgeld's term, creating a distinctive architectural legacy. This coordinated development reflected an ambitious effort to advance the state's educational infrastructure.

Location: Urbana

Inception: December 1, 1897

Architects: Nathan Clifford Ricker

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

GPS coordinates: 40.10940,-88.22830

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41