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The Senior Memorial Chime of Altgeld Hall Tower

A historic 15-bell chime in Altgeld Hall Tower, offering musical performances and marking time at the University of Illinois since 1920.

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The Senior Memorial Chime, housed in Altgeld Hall Tower at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a 15-bell chime gifted by the graduating classes of 1914-1921. Since 1920, the chimes have marked the hours and provided musical concerts, becoming a beloved campus tradition.

A brief summary to The Senior Memorial Chime of Altgeld Hall Tower

  • Altgeld Hall, 323, 1409 W Green St, Urbana, IL, 61801, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Check the Altgeld Ringers' social media for updates on concerts and events, especially during special occasions like Homecoming or Founders Day.
  • Listen for informal chime concerts during the last ten minutes of the hour for a spontaneous musical treat.
  • Visit the bronze plaque on the north side of Altgeld Hall to learn about the dedications of the three largest bells.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Altgeld Hall is centrally located on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, near the Alma Mater statue. From the Illini Union, walk north along the main quad, and Altgeld Hall will be on your left. No costs are associated with accessing the area.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the University of Illinois campus. From the Illinois Terminal, take any MTD bus that stops at the Illini Union. From there, walk north along the main quad to Altgeld Hall. A single ride on the MTD bus costs $1.

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Discover more about The Senior Memorial Chime of Altgeld Hall Tower

The Senior Memorial Chime, more commonly known as the Altgeld Chimes, resides in the iconic Altgeld Hall Tower on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. This unique instrument consists of 15 bells, a gift from the university's graduating classes of 1914 through 1921, and the United States School of Military Aeronautics. The chimes first rang out on October 30, 1920, during the university's tenth fall homecoming. Housed within the 132-foot tower, the chimes have been a constant presence, marking the passage of time and providing musical interludes. The bells themselves were cast by the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Maryland. The largest bell, dedicated to Edmund J. James, a former university president, weighs over 3,000 pounds and measures five feet in diameter. The Altgeld Ringers, a registered student organization, are the keepers of this tradition. They perform weekday concerts and special event performances, ensuring the chimes continue to resonate across the campus. The leader of the chimesplayers is called the chimesmaster. While the tower is currently closed for renovation, the music of the Altgeld Chimes remains a symbol of the university's rich history and vibrant campus life.

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