Memorial Union (Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Memorial Union
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 800 Langdon Street, Madison, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1928, theater wing 1938 |
| Built by | Jacob Pfeffer of Duluth, MN (main building), Jacobson Bros. of Chicago (theater wing) |
| Architect | Arthur Peabody (exterior), Leon Pecheret (interior), Michael Hare (theater wing) |
| Architectural style | Neo-Renaissance (main building), Streamline Moderne (theater wing) |
| Part of | Bascom Hill Historic District (ID74000065) |
| NRHP reference No. | 15000255 |
| Added to NRHP | May 19, 2015 |
The Memorial Union is a famous building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. It sits right on the shore of Lake Mendota. Next to it is the Terrace, a popular outdoor spot with great views of the lake. Many people think it's one of the most beautiful student centers anywhere!
Contents
Discover the History of Memorial Union
The outside of the main building was designed by the university's architect, Arthur Peabody. The Memorial Union first opened its doors on October 5, 1928. It is run by the Wisconsin Union, which is an organization for members.
The first director, Porter Butts, called it a "college union." This is because it brings together students, teachers, and people from the local community. It acts like a student activity center and a student government all in one place. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 19, 2015. This means it is an important historical site.
Explore the Memorial Union Building
Outside the main building is the Memorial Union Terrace. This is a stone outdoor area for eating and having fun. It is located right on the shore of Lake Mendota. Peabody's daughter, Charlotte, designed the Terrace.
Fun on the Terrace
The Terrace is a very popular place for students and local people to meet up. It has amazing views of the lake, where you can see sailboats. You can also enjoy live music, which is usually free in the evenings. The Wisconsin Union Directorate helps pay for music on the Terrace. This happens four nights a week in the summer. During the school year, music is played on weekends. It might be on the Terrace or inside in Der Rathskeller, depending on the weather.
Inside the Union: Rooms and Art
Inside the Union, you will find rooms and artworks that show the local history. The biggest room is Der Rathskeller. This is a German-style beer hall with beautiful murals. Students often have political debates here. They also play card or board games. The Rathskeller connects directly to the Terrace outside.
On the ground floor, you can also find the Paul Bunyan Room and different cafeterias. Upstairs, there are the Beefeater Room and the Old Madison Room. The west side of the Union is home to the Wisconsin Union Theater.
Places to Eat and Shop
The Daily Scoop sells delicious Babcock ice cream. This ice cream is made right at the University. Peet's Coffee Shop is a separate business that sells coffee and pastries. The Essentials desk is a helpful place for information. It also has a small shop where you can buy bus tickets, newspapers, clothes, and snacks.
The Memorial Union has several restaurants and cafeterias. There is also a catering department. They prepare food for conferences, university events, and even weddings for Union members. They also host the yearly Tudor Dinners.
Recent Updates and New Parks
The Memorial Union started a big renovation project in 2012. These updates included a new design for the Terrace. The Wisconsin Union Theater was also updated. New restaurants and study areas were added too.
In 2017, the 1.3-acre Alumni Park opened. This park is like an outdoor art gallery and museum. It shows the achievements of "Badgers" (people from the university) over 17 decades.
Outdoor Adventures with Hoofers
The Hoofers is an activity group based in the Union. They offer many outdoor activities. These include fun things to do on Lake Mendota and at other outdoor locations.
Images for kids
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Inspired by palaces of Venice and Padua, the main building was scorned by Frank Lloyd Wright as speaking "extremely bad Italian".
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Hoofer Badger Sloops on Lake Mendota behind Memorial Union
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The Memorial Union Terrace during the fall of 2008
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The Wisconsin Union Theater in Streamline Moderne style
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Memorial Union main front entrance, 1993
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Summer solstice sunset from the Terrace, 2015
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