A copper gargoyle juts from the ornate brick tower of Harvard’s Memorial Hall in Cambridge, Massachusetts—a striking detail of the Gothic Revival architecture completed in the late 19th century. Designed by Ware & Van Brunt, the hall commemorates Harvard alumni who fought for the Union in the Civil War. The gargoyle’s oxidized green patina and sharp geometric form contrast against the red brick and open sky, blending medieval-inspired craftsmanship with the American collegiate Gothic style that defines much of Harvard’s architectural legacy.

The intricate brick and slate facade of Harvard University’s Memorial Hall rises sharply against a crisp blue sky in this detailed architectural study. Completed in 1878, the building embodies the High Victorian Gothic style with its polychromatic slate roof, pointed arches, and elaborate terracotta trim. The Latin inscription and rose window dominate the composition, framed by twin spires and ornamental ironwork. Memorial Hall was built to honor Harvard alumni who fought for the Union during the Civil War, and today houses Sanders Theatre and Annenberg Hall—standing as one of Cambridge’s most iconic architectural landmarks.