Hoover Tower: A Stanford Landmark

Hoover Tower, completed in 1941 for Stanford University's 50th anniversary, stands as a landmark and a symbol of the institution's commitment to education and research. Inspired by the tower of the New Cathedral of Salamanca, the 285-foot tower was designed by Arthur Brown Jr.. It houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, a collection founded by Herbert Hoover, a Stanford alumnus and former U.S. President, dedicated to the study of war, revolution, and peace. The tower's observation deck, accessible for a fee, provides visitors with sweeping views of the Stanford campus, the surrounding foothills, and the San Francisco Bay Area. A tour guide is available to point out landmarks and sights. The tower also features a carillon of 48 bells, a gift from the Belgian American Educational Foundation, symbolizing the pursuit of peace and freedom. The carillon bells perform regularly. Exhibitions in the ground floor galleries are free and open to the public. Visitor information: The Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets are available for purchase at the door (credit card or contactless payment only) and cost $8.00. Admission is free for Stanford affiliates (students, faculty, staff, alumni) with a valid Stanford ID, who may also bring one free guest. The last elevator ascends 30 minutes before closing.