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Old Main: Arizona State University's Historic Heart

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Discover Old Main, the historic heart of Arizona State University's Tempe campus, blending Victorian architecture with a vibrant legacy.

Old Main, the oldest building on ASU's Tempe campus, is a beautifully restored Victorian-era landmark. Built in 1898, it has witnessed the university's evolution from a normal school to a leading research institution and hosted historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt.

A brief summary to Old Main

Local tips

  • Check the ASU events calendar for public events happening at Old Main during your visit.
  • Take a stroll around the surrounding campus to explore other historic buildings and art installations.
  • Visit Old Main in the afternoon for optimal natural lighting for photographs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Old Main is located at 400 E Tyler Mall on ASU's Tempe campus and is easily accessible on foot from most campus locations. From the Memorial Union, walk east along Orange Mall, then turn right onto Tyler Mall. Old Main will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Tempe Light Rail and various bus routes serve the ASU Tempe campus. Disembark at the University Dr/Rural Rd station or a nearby bus stop. From there, walk towards the center of campus and follow signs to Old Main. Several free Orbit shuttle routes also connect Downtown Tempe and the ASU Tempe Campus. A single bus or light rail fare is $2, or a day pass can be purchased for $4. The Flash shuttle is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Use a ride-sharing service or taxi to get directly to Old Main at 400 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281. The driver can drop you off near the building. A short ride from downtown Tempe will typically cost between $8 and $15.

  • Driving

    Parking is available in the Fulton Center parking garage directly across from Old Main on University Drive. Hourly rates apply. Contact ASU Parking and Transit Services for current rates and availability. Limited street parking may also be available nearby. Parking at the Fulton Center garage can range from $3-4 per hour.

Discover more about Old Main

Old Main, located at the heart of Arizona State University's Tempe campus, stands as a proud reminder of the university's rich history. Constructed in 1898, before Arizona even achieved statehood, it was the first building in Tempe to be wired for electricity. Originally the Main Building of the Tempe Normal School, it housed classrooms, an auditorium, and a library, serving as the center of academic and administrative life.The building's architecture is a blend of Victorian Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque styles, featuring a red-brick facade, a granite base, and a pressed-metal roof. Over the years, Old Main has been the site of many significant events, 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.In 1985, Old Main was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A major restoration in the 1990s, led by the ASU Alumni Association, returned the building to its original splendor, including the reconstruction of the front porch and stairway that had been removed in 1953. Today, Old Main hosts a variety of events and houses the ASU Alumni Association, continuing to serve as a focal point for the university community. Inside, visitors can view murals by Joseph M. Henninger, commissioned as part of a Franklin D. Roosevelt New Deal art project.

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