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Woods Quad: The University of Alabama's Historic Heart

Discover art and history at Woods Quad, the University of Alabama's central green space and sculpture garden in Tuscaloosa.

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Woods Quad, also known as the 'Old Quadrangle,' is a historic green space at the University of Alabama, surrounded by the university's first four rebuilt buildings after the Civil War. Today, it serves as a serene gathering place and outdoor sculpture garden showcasing works by students, alumni, and faculty.

A brief summary to Woods Quad

  • Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35401, US

Local tips

  • Take a stroll through the Woods Quad Sculpture Garden to discover unique art pieces created by students, alumni, and faculty.
  • Check out the schedule for events on the Quad, such as tailgating during football season.
  • Visit the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, located on the Quad, to see preserved foundation ruins of the Rotunda.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Woods Quad is centrally located on the University of Alabama campus. From the Crimson Promenade, walk towards the heart of the campus, following signs for the Quad. You'll find it surrounded by historic buildings like Woods Hall, Clark Hall, Garland Hall, and Manly Hall. The sculpture garden is located within the Quad.

  • Public Transport

    The Crimson Ride, UA's free campus transit system, has several routes that stop near Woods Quad. Check the Passio Go app for bus routes and arrival times. Disembark at the stop closest to the Quad, and walk towards the green space surrounded by the historic buildings.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the University of Alabama campus. Limited visitor parking is available in parking decks such as the Student Center Parking Deck, Transportation Hub Deck, or North ten Hoor Parking Deck. Use the interactive campus map to locate the decks. From the parking deck, walk towards the center of campus to Woods Quad. Parking fees vary.

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Discover more about Woods Quad

Woods Quad, steeped in history and art, is a 22-acre quadrangle that marks the geographic and historic center of the University of Alabama's campus in Tuscaloosa. Originally designed by architect William Nichols, the campus plan mirrored Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia, featuring a Lawn and Rotunda. The Quad served as the site of the first Alabama Crimson Tide football games from 1893 to 1914. Following the destruction of the original campus during the Civil War, Woods Quad was reborn in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first building to be rebuilt was Woods Hall in 1868, using salvaged materials from the original campus. The Quad slowly transformed into a space surrounded by academic buildings designed in the Classical Revival and Beaux-Arts styles. Today, Woods Quad is not only a place of historical significance but also a vibrant sculpture garden. Officially dedicated in August 2014, the Woods Quad Sculpture Garden features a growing collection of outdoor sculptures from local artists, students, alumni, and faculty. Notable pieces include Ringo Lisko's 'Flourish,' a crescent moon made of camellia flowers, Joe McCreary's 'Goldie 1971,' an iron sculpture commemorating Birmingham's industrial past, and Billy Lee's 'Homage to Brancusi'. The sculptures offer a blend of artistic expression and reflection, making Woods Quad a unique and engaging space for students and visitors alike.

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