Wren Building at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg (must see)
The Wren Building at the College of William and Mary stands as a testament to the institution's rich history and enduring legacy. Constructed in 1695, it is the oldest active educational building in the United States and forms an integral part of the college's "Ancient Campus" alongside the Brafferton and President's House. Originally built of red brick in the Flemish and English Bond style typical of 17th- and 18th-century Williamsburg, the Wren Building has undergone several reconstructions, most notably after a fire in 1705 and a subsequent reconstruction in 1732. This historic edifice was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960, recognizing its architectural significance and cultural importance.
Within the Wren Building's venerable walls are housed classrooms, offices, a refectory known as the Great Hall, a kitchen, and a chapel. The chapel, added as a south wing in 1732, features a crypt beneath where several notable Virginians are laid to rest, including royal governor the 4th Baron Botetourt and Speaker of the House of Burgesses Sir John Randolph. As the oldest extant building constructed for use by a college or university in the United States, the Wren Building holds a special place in American academic history, preceding even Massachusetts Hall at Harvard University.
Today, the Wren Building remains a vibrant center of academic and cultural life at the College of William and Mary. The first floor is open to visitors, inviting them to explore its historic halls and corridors. Student-led campus tours offer insights into the building's storied past, sharing anecdotes and historical anecdotes about the college. Additionally, visitors can attend free organ concerts in the chapel, view exhibitions at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, and admire sculptures scattered throughout the campus, all while experiencing the timeless charm and academic excellence embodied by the Wren Building.
Within the Wren Building's venerable walls are housed classrooms, offices, a refectory known as the Great Hall, a kitchen, and a chapel. The chapel, added as a south wing in 1732, features a crypt beneath where several notable Virginians are laid to rest, including royal governor the 4th Baron Botetourt and Speaker of the House of Burgesses Sir John Randolph. As the oldest extant building constructed for use by a college or university in the United States, the Wren Building holds a special place in American academic history, preceding even Massachusetts Hall at Harvard University.
Today, the Wren Building remains a vibrant center of academic and cultural life at the College of William and Mary. The first floor is open to visitors, inviting them to explore its historic halls and corridors. Student-led campus tours offer insights into the building's storied past, sharing anecdotes and historical anecdotes about the college. Additionally, visitors can attend free organ concerts in the chapel, view exhibitions at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, and admire sculptures scattered throughout the campus, all while experiencing the timeless charm and academic excellence embodied by the Wren Building.
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Wren Building at the College of William and Mary on Map
Sight Name: Wren Building at the College of William and Mary
Sight Location: Williamsburg, USA (See walking tours in Williamsburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Williamsburg, USA (See walking tours in Williamsburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Williamsburg, Virginia
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Williamsburg Introduction Walking Tour
Williamsburg, an independent city in Virginia, was founded by English settlers in 1632 鈥� originally as a fortified settlement called Middle Plantation, on the high ground between the James and York rivers.
The local College of William & Mary, established in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its alumni include three US presidents as well as... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The local College of William & Mary, established in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its alumni include three US presidents as well as... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles