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Old Main: The Heart of ASU

Discover ASU's historic heart: Old Main, a beautifully restored Victorian landmark hosting events and showcasing the university's legacy.

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Old Main, the oldest building on Arizona State University's Tempe campus, is a beautifully restored Victorian-era landmark. Built in 1898, it stands as a testament to the university's rich history and architectural heritage, serving as a conference center, meeting space, and a focal point for campus events.

A brief summary to Old Main

Local tips

  • Check ASU's event schedule to see if any public events are happening at Old Main during your visit.
  • Take time to explore other historical buildings and art installations on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • Visit Old Main in the afternoon for the best natural lighting for photographs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Memorial Union (MU) on ASU's Tempe campus, walk east along the paved walkway towards the Student Services Building. Continue past the Student Services Building, and Old Main will be directly ahead on the left, across the lawn. No cost.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Valley Metro Rail to the University Dr/Rural Rd station. From the station, walk west along University Drive towards the campus. Turn right onto E Tyler Mall. Old Main will be on the right, a short distance down the Mall. A single ride fare is $2.00 [https://www.valleymetro.org/how-ride/fares].

  • Ride Share

    Use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Old Main, 400 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281' as your destination. The driver will take you directly to the entrance. The typical cost from downtown Tempe is approximately $8-$12.

Unlock the Best of Old Main

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Discover more about Old Main

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.

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