“Memorial Hall, immediately north of Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a large High Victorian Gothic building honoring Harvard men’s sacrifices in defense of the Union during the American Civil War‍—‌”a symbol of Boston’s commitment to the Unionist cause and the abolitionist movement in America.”^” ( quote from Memorial_Hall,Harvard_University, Wikipedia)

Many concerts and other memorable events have marked my good luck of living a few blocks from Memorial Hall for more than five decades. But this winter was the first time I walked around the whole building looking up and taking photos in wonder at the multitude of marvels. My mission had been to focus on the handsome brick designs, yet metal, stone, tile and glass all called for admiration.

Once again blogging about art outdoors has alerted me to another range of beauty and perspective, shared here through links in red.

“The building’s High Victorian Gothic design, by alumni William Robert Ware and Henry Van Brunt, was selected in a blind competition. A 1907 publication gives dimensions of 305 by 113 feet, with a height of 190 feet at the tower .….” ( quote from Memorial Hall, Harvard, Wikipedia)

“The tower was the last portion of Memorial Hall to be completed. When the building was formally turned over to the Corporation in 1877, the tower soared an impressive one hundred ninety-five feet but was far less ornate than as depicted in the architects’ final rendering of the building. ( quote from Harvard University ,Office of the Arts, Memorial Hall, Tower )

“In 1878, Ware and Van Bunt were fortunate to have the opportunity to modify the tower design with the addition of dormers, pinnacles, and more elaborate cresting.”( quote from Harvard University, Office of the Arts, Memorial Hall, Tower )

““Memorial Hall is best seen from different angles and perspectives which highlight its facets and geometry,” said Director of Memorial Hall Raymond Traietti.” (quote from Photographers scale Harvard’s tallest towers and buildings, Harvard Gazette,by Stephanie Mitchell, Sept .2021)

KEY RESOURCES

Memorial Hall, Harvard, Wikipedia

Harvard University, Office of the Arts, Memorial Hall

Harvard University, Office of the Arts, Memorial Hall, Tower

Photographers scale Harvard’s tallest towers and buildings, Harvard Gazette,by Stephanie Mitchell, Sept .2021)