Hoover Tower: A Stanford Landmark

Ascend to Stanford's iconic Hoover Tower for panoramic Bay Area views and explore the Hoover Institution's 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 a 285-foot structure housing the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, a renowned repository of materials related to war, revolution, and peace. Completed in 1941 to commemorate Stanford's 50th anniversary, the tower offers visitors a unique blend of historical insight and panoramic views. Explore the free exhibition galleries showcasing selections from the institution's vast collections, then ascend to the Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck for sweeping vistas of the campus, the Bay Area, and beyond. The tower's carillon, a gift from Belgium, adds a touch of European charm, its bells ringing out with messages of peace. A visit to Hoover Tower provides a stimulating experience, combining intellectual exploration with breathtaking scenery, making it a must-see destination on the Stanford campus.

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 performance schedules; the observation deck is closed during performances.
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as access to the observation deck is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Take advantage of the free exhibition galleries on the ground floor to learn about the Hoover Institution's collections before heading up to the observation deck.

Getting There

Walking

From the Stanford Oval, walk southeast along Jane Stanford Way towards Memorial Auditorium. Hoover Tower will be on your right, across from the auditorium. The main entrance faces Serra Mall. Note that the main entrance is not accessible; the accessible entrance is on the west side of the building.
Public Transport

Take the Stanford Marguerite Shuttle to the Serra Mall stop. From there, Hoover Tower is a short walk across Serra Mall. Check the Marguerite Shuttle schedule for specific routes and times. The Marguerite Shuttle is free.
Driving

Visitor parking is available on the Stanford campus, but it is enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Use the ParkMobile app, website, or phone to pay for parking. The closest visitor parking lots are a 10-15 minute walk from Hoover Tower. Parking costs $1.50 per hour.

Discover more about Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower, a towering landmark on the Stanford University campus, stands as a testament to both the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring quest for peace. Completed in 1941, the 285-foot structure was commissioned by Herbert Hoover, a Stanford alumnus and future President of the United States, to house his extensive collection of materials related to war, revolution, and peace. Today, the tower remains the home of the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, a world-renowned research center dedicated to the study of political, economic, and social change. The tower's architecture, inspired by the New Cathedral of Salamanca, reflects a blend of classical and modern design elements. Its exterior, clad in sandstone-colored stucco, harmonizes with the surrounding campus buildings, while its imposing height and clean lines convey a sense of strength and stability. The tower's construction was overseen by Arthur Brown Jr., also the architect of Coit Tower in San Francisco. Inside, the first few floors of Hoover Tower are dedicated to exhibition galleries that are free to the public. These galleries showcase a rotating selection of documents, photographs, and artifacts from the Hoover Institution's vast collections, offering visitors a glimpse into some of the most significant events and movements of the 20th and 21st centuries. Exhibits often highlight themes related to political ideologies, international conflicts, and the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Ascending to the Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck on the 14th floor, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Stanford campus and the surrounding Bay Area. From this vantage point, one can appreciate the sprawling beauty of the university's grounds, the rolling hills of the Peninsula, and, on a clear day, the distant skyline of San Francisco. The observation deck provides a unique perspective on the region's history and its ongoing evolution. The observation deck is also home to the Hoover Tower Carillon, a gift from the Belgian American Educational Foundation. The carillon consists of 48 bells, each meticulously tuned to create a harmonious and resonant sound. The original 35 bells were created for the 1939 New York World's Fair. The carillon's bells ring out regularly, filling the campus with melodies that evoke a sense of peace and reflection. The largest bell bears the inscription "For Peace Alone Do I Ring," a sentiment that encapsulates the Hoover Institution's mission. Hoover Tower has played a significant role in Stanford's history, serving as a gathering place for students, faculty, and visitors alike. The tower has also been the site of important events and discussions, reflecting its position as a center for intellectual inquiry and public discourse. Over the years, Hoover Tower has become a symbol of Stanford University, representing its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of society. Visiting Hoover Tower offers a multifaceted experience that combines historical exploration, architectural appreciation, and scenic beauty. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a curious traveler, a trip to Hoover Tower is sure to leave a lasting impression. The tower's exhibits provide valuable insights into the past, while its observation deck offers a stunning perspective on the present. And the carillon's bells serve as a constant reminder of the importance of peace and understanding in a complex and ever-changing world. While visiting, take note of the surrounding area. The Hoover Institution is adjacent to the Herbert Hoover Memorial Building, which houses the institution's main reading room and Stauffer Auditorium. The area is also close to other campus landmarks, such as Memorial Auditorium and the Stanford Oval, making it easy to explore the university's rich history and vibrant culture. In December 1970, Hoover Tower was struck by lightning, causing damage to the structure. In August 2020 the concrete ball at the tower's tip was struck down by an electric storm again, shattering into multiple pieces. These events serve as reminders of the tower's vulnerability to the forces of nature and the importance of ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts. Today, Hoover Tower continues to stand as a beacon of knowledge and a symbol of hope for a more peaceful future. Its enduring presence on the Stanford campus serves as an inspiration to generations of students, scholars, and visitors, reminding them of the importance of critical thinking, informed debate, and the pursuit of solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.

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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

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

The Wine Room