Holmes Lounge
Holmes Lounge is a beautiful and historic gathering space on campus. Originally utilized as a quiet reading room, Holmes Lounge is now a versatile space for meeting, studying, reading, or relaxing with friends. On weekends Holmes Lounge is often transformed to host student performances such as music performances and poetry readings. Jazz at Holmes Lounge offers free concerts to students to hear local jazz artists perform each Thursday night.
Fun Fact: During 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, Holmes Lounge housed a display of Queen Victoria's jewels!
Accessibility Note: Exit Brookings Quad through the same path you entered to proceed with the accessible tour route. Please refer to the dotted line on your campus map for a fully accessible tour route.
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History
📜 History
Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis has grown from a college educating local men and women to an internationally known research institution with student, faculty, and staff from around the world.
University History
The University was founded in 1853 as Eliot Seminary, in honor of William Greenleaf Eliot, a St. Louis minister and educator who was the grandfather of T.S. Eliot, the famous poet. In 1857, the University adopted its current title, Washington University. The University’s charter was ratified on George Washington’s birthday (February 22), and the University’s name honors the late president’s service to the nation.
The University's original location was in downtown St. Louis, and it moved to its current location after the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Previously known as the ""Hilltop Campus,"" the main campus was renamed the ""Danforth Campus,"" after Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth, Elizabeth Danforth, the Danforth family, and the Danforth Foundation which have all played a role in the evolution of Washington University.
World's Fair
In April 1904, St. Louis opened its doors to the world for what was officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, but was widely known as the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Many buildings on the Danforth Campus were utilized for the Worlds Fair, including Brookings Hall, which housed administrative offices, and Ridgley Library (now Holmes Lounge), which held a display of the Queen Victoria's jewels!
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