Historic Campus Building Tour
Step into 150 years of CU Boulder history through the places that have shaped the university’s story. From Old Main, where the first students and faculty gathered, to iconic landmarks like Norlin Library, Folsom Field and the University Memorial Center, each stop offers a window into the people, traditions, discoveries and experiences that have defined CU Boulder across generations. Explore the buildings, landscapes and gathering places that reflect the university’s past, present and future.
Jump to an Era
1876 to 1892 The Founding Era
1876
Old Main
Old Main is the oldest building on campus and the birthplace of the University of Colorado. From classrooms and offices to the university library, this iconic sandstone landmark helped shape the first chapters of CU Boulder's story.
1884
Koenig Alumni Center
Originally built in 1884 as the university's first engineering building, the structure now known as the Koenig Alumni Center has served multiple generations of Buffs in different roles throughout its history. Today, the beautifully restored landmark connects CU Boulder with its alumni while preserving a piece of the university's architectural and academic heritage.
1892 to 1914 Expanding Horizons
1894
Hale Science Building
As one of the university's longtime academic centers, Hale Science Building has supported discovery and innovation across generations of students and researchers. It stands as a reminder of CU Boulder's deep roots in scientific exploration.
1914 to 1939 The Great War, Depression and New Deal
1921
Hellems Arts and Sciences Building
Hellems Arts and Sciences Building is one of CU Boulder’s most iconic academic landmarks. Completed in 1921, it was the first building on campus designed in architect Charles Klauder’s signature Tuscan vernacular style and has served generations of students as a center for learning, scholarship and the arts.
1922
Macky Auditorium
For more than a century, Macky Auditorium has welcomed generations of students, alumni and visitors for performances, lectures and milestone moments. Its distinctive architecture and rich cultural history make it one of CU Boulder's most recognizable landmarks.
1924
Folsom Field
Since opening in 1924, Folsom Field has been the home of Buffaloes football and countless campus traditions. More than a stadium, it is a gathering place where school spirit, community and history come together.
1934
Sewall Hall
Named for CU's first president, Joseph A. Sewall, Sewall Hall has housed generations of students while honoring one of the university's founding leaders. Its presence reflects the lasting legacy of those who helped establish CU Boulder in its earliest years.
1939 to 1954 WWII, Cold War and Expansion
1939
Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre
Named for CU's first female professor, the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre honors a pioneering educator whose impact still resonates today. Nestled beneath the Flatirons, it remains one of the campus's most beloved cultural landmarks and home to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
1940
Norlin Library
At the heart of campus, Norlin Library and Norlin Quad have long served as gathering places for learning, reflection and community. Together, they represent CU Boulder's enduring commitment to scholarship and the exchange of ideas.
1948
Farrand Field
With the Flatirons as its backdrop, Farrand Field is one of the most iconic open spaces on campus. For generations, it has hosted student traditions, celebrations and everyday moments that define the CU Boulder experience.
1953
University Memorial Center
Built as a living memorial to those who served in World War II, the University Memorial Center has been the hub of student life for decades. From meetings and events to everyday connections, it reflects the vibrant spirit of the CU Boulder community.