Memorial Hall at Harvard University stands as one of the most significant examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture in the United States. Completed in 1878, the hall was built to honor Harvard alumni who fought for the Union during the Civil War. The building’s iconic red-brick façade, accented by intricate stone trim and stained glass, houses the famed Sanders Theatre—a grand auditorium known for its exceptional acoustics and historic lectures. The bronze plaque in the image marks the entrance to this enduring landmark, which continues to serve as a centerpiece for academic and cultural life in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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.