Austin Hall

Austin Hall is an academic building at Harvard Law School constructed with dark Longmeadow brownstone accented by lighter Ohio sandstone. Three rounded arches frame the main entrance, and a corner turret rises from the structure's exterior.

Edward Austin donated a substantial sum in 1884 to construct this building in memory of his late brother Samuel. The structure was the first facility purpose-built specifically for the law school.

Law students use the lecture halls and study spaces daily, engaging in discussions that shape their understanding of the legal profession. This living practice connects the building to generations of lawyers who have walked its corridors.

The building is visible from the campus grounds and can be viewed from outside, though interior access may be restricted depending on academic activities. Walking around the exterior allows you to see the architectural details and the inscription carved into the roofline.

A biblical passage from Exodus is carved below the roofline, addressing the teaching of laws and ordinances, connecting spiritual principles to legal education. This hidden inscription reveals how the building's design reflects both moral and juridical thought.