Old Main: The Heart of ASU

Old Main, located at the heart of Arizona State University's Tempe campus, is more than just a building; it's a symbol of the university's enduring legacy. Constructed in 1898, fourteen years before Arizona became a state, it was the first building in Tempe to have electric lighting. Designed by W.A. McGinnis, the building showcases a blend of Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural styles.Originally, Old Main housed classrooms, an auditorium, and a library, serving as the main academic and administrative center. Over the years, it has witnessed pivotal moments in ASU's history, including a speech by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911, during which he dedicated the Roosevelt Dam. For decades, it was the largest building in the Salt River Valley.After falling into disrepair, Old Main was meticulously restored in the 1990s, with the front porch and stairway being reconstructed. Today, it houses the ASU Alumni Association and serves as a venue for conferences, meetings, weddings, and special events. Visitors can admire the building's architecture, explore its historical displays, and stroll through the surrounding green spaces. Inside, two Joseph M. Henninger murals from the 1930s, “Spanish Influence in Arizona” and “Industrial Development in Arizona,” are displayed.