Hoover Tower: A Stanford Landmark

Ascend to Stanford's iconic Hoover Tower for panoramic views and a glimpse into history at the Hoover Institution Library & Archives, a center for the study of war, revolution, and peace.

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Hoover Tower

Dominating the Stanford University skyline, Hoover Tower is more than just a building; it's a repository of history and a symbol of academic pursuit. Completed in 1941 to mark Stanford's 50th anniversary, the 285-foot tower houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, a world-renowned collection dedicated to the study of war, revolution, and peace. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for panoramic views of the campus, the Bay Area, and beyond. The tower's carillon, a gift from Belgium, adds a touch of European elegance to the California landscape. Whether you're drawn by the historical significance, the architectural grandeur, or the stunning vistas, Hoover Tower offers a unique and enriching experience.

A brief summary to Hoover Tower

550 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, California, 94305, US
Visit website

Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Check the Hoover Institution website for carillon concert schedules; the observation deck is closed during performances.
Purchase tickets for the observation deck at the door; credit card or contactless payment only (no cash accepted).
The closest visitor parking lots are a 15-20 minute walk from Hoover Tower; plan accordingly.
The last elevator goes up 30 minutes prior to closing; arrive early to maximize your visit.
Take advantage of the free exhibition galleries on the ground floor to learn more about Herbert Hoover and the Hoover Institution.

Getting There

Walking

From the Stanford Oval, head west towards the Main Quad. Pass through the quad, keeping Memorial Church on your left. Continue straight ahead, and you'll see Hoover Tower rising in the distance. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering a pleasant stroll through the heart of Stanford's campus.
Public Transport

Take the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle to the Serra Mall stop, which is the closest stop to Hoover Tower. From there, it's a short walk towards the tower. Check the Marguerite schedule for specific routes and times. The Marguerite is free.
Driving

Visitor parking is enforced Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The closest visitor parking lots are a 15-20 minute walk from the Hoover Tower. Use the ParkMobile app, website, or phone to pay for parking. Hourly parking rates typically range from $1.50 per hour. Weekends are free.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Request a ride to Hoover Tower, 550 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305. Be aware that traffic on campus can be heavy during peak hours. A ride from downtown Palo Alto will typically cost $10-$15.

Discover more about Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower, a towering presence on the Stanford University campus, stands as a testament to both architectural ambition and scholarly dedication. Conceived by Herbert Hoover, an alumnus of Stanford and later the 31st President of the United States, the tower was designed to house his burgeoning collection of materials related to war, revolution, and peace. This collection would eventually form the basis of the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, now a leading research center for the study of 20th and 21st-century history. The tower's construction, overseen by architect Arthur Brown Jr., began in 1939 and was completed in 1941, coinciding with Stanford's 50th anniversary. Inspired by the New Cathedral of Salamanca, Spain, the tower rises 285 feet (87 meters) above the campus, making it one of Stanford's most recognizable landmarks. Its exterior, clad in sandstone-colored stucco, blends seamlessly with the surrounding campus architecture. Inside, the tower is divided into fourteen floors. The initial floors are dedicated to library stacks and offices, housing a portion of the Hoover Institution's vast collection. Ascending higher, visitors reach the observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, one can survey the sprawling Stanford campus, the rolling hills of the Peninsula, and, on a clear day, the distant skyline of San Francisco. Adding to the tower's unique character is its carillon, a gift from the Belgian American Educational Foundation. The carillon's 48 bells, originally created for the 1939 New York World's Fair, were presented to Stanford after World War II disrupted their initial installation. The bells ring out regularly, filling the campus with their melodious tones. The Hoover Institution Library and Archives, housed within the tower, is a treasure trove for researchers and historians. Its collections encompass a wide range of materials, including documents, photographs, films, and sound recordings, related to political, economic, and social change in the modern era. The archives are particularly strong in their holdings on World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the rise of totalitarian regimes. Beyond its historical significance, Hoover Tower also serves as a symbol of Stanford University's commitment to academic excellence and intellectual inquiry. The Hoover Institution, with its resident scholars and fellows, conducts research on a wide range of public policy issues, contributing to the ongoing debates shaping the world. Visiting Hoover Tower is an experience that combines historical immersion with aesthetic appreciation. The exhibitions on the ground floor provide insights into the life and work of Herbert Hoover and the history of the Hoover Institution. The ascent to the observation deck offers a stunning visual reward, allowing visitors to contemplate the beauty of the Stanford campus and the surrounding Bay Area. The carillon concerts provide a unique auditory experience, adding a layer of cultural richness to the visit. However, the tower has not been without its share of controversy. The Hoover Institution, known for its conservative stance, has been the subject of protests and debates over its influence on public policy. These controversies add another layer of complexity to the tower's narrative, prompting visitors to consider the role of think tanks and the challenges of academic freedom. Despite these controversies, Hoover Tower remains a significant landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. Its blend of architectural grandeur, historical significance, and intellectual vibrancy makes it a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history, public policy, or the pursuit of knowledge. The tower serves as a reminder of Herbert Hoover's legacy and Stanford University's enduring commitment to shaping the future through research and education. Whether you're a student, a scholar, or a curious traveler, Hoover Tower offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of history, architecture, and ideas. Its panoramic views, its rich collections, and its ongoing debates make it a place where the past informs the present and the future is constantly being reimagined. Hoover Tower is more than just a structure; it's a living monument to the power of knowledge and the enduring quest for peace.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Hoover Tower: A Stanford Landmark

A brief summary to Hoover Tower

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Hoover Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Hoover Tower

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Auguste Rodin - The Burghers of Calais

Escondido Turnaround

Stone River by Andy Goldsworthy

Tootsie's at the Cantor Arts Center

Angel of Grief

Lou Henry Hoover House

MacFarland House

Hostess House

Bell's Books

The Cardinal Hotel

Landmark's Aquarius Theatre

Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Telephone Co. Building (Built 1928)

Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

Unmissable attractions to see

Stanford Clock Tower

Stanford University

Memorial Church

Rodin Sculpture Garden

Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

Anderson Collection

Anderson Collection at Stanford University

Arizona Garden

Stanford Mausoleum

Hanna House

Main Quad

Allied Arts Guild

Masterworks Fine Art Gallery

El Camino Park

Essential places to dine

Vina Enoteca

Tootsie's At The Stanford Barn

Telefèric Barcelona Palo Alto

Sundance The Steakhouse

Saint Michael's Alley

Pacific Catch

TAVERNA

The Melt

True Food Kitchen

Sweet Maple

Nobu Restaurant Palo Alto

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

Cafe Wisteria

Terún

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Stanford Barn Shopping Center

Ruti | Palo Alto

EVEREVE

Town & Country Village

Diptyque Town and Country

Hudson Grace

Nordstrom

Neiman Marcus

Hermès

Stanford Center Palo Alto

Macy's

Louis Vuitton Palo Alto

Zegna Boutique

Free People

Anthropologie

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

MacArthur Park Restaurant and Bar

Scotty's Bar & Grill