Basic Information for the Cathedral of Learning
Address: 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 9PM
Website: http://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/about/cathedral-learning
Admission: Free
Transportation: Bus, car (street parking), bike (lock sites available), and walking
Access: Handicap accessible, Nationality Room tours available on website
About the Cathedral of Learning
The University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning is the fourth tallest educational building in the entire world. At 163 meters and 42 floors, the Cathedral can be seen from every corner of Oakland.
Commonly referred to as “Cathy,” the Cathedral of Learning is one of only two educational skyscrapers in the world. Cathy boasts an impressive display of gothic architecture and is staple of Pittsburgh pride. The construction of the Cathedral was done under the advisement of Chancellor John G. Bowman and was completed in October of 1934. The construction was designed as an architectural emulation of Wagner’s symphony, The Valkyrie. Much like the symphony, which reaches higher and higher heights, hitting climax after climax, the Cathedral has several different interconnected columns that are each taller than the last. The Cathedral of Learning is also embraced by the Pittsburgh community for its cultural heritage and inclusiveness.
One of the main concepts of the Cathedral was the idea of having so called “Nationality Rooms.” These rooms are decorated in accordance to traditional classrooms from various ethnic groups and symbolize the diversity of the Pittsburgh community. The rooms are open to the public and the University offers tours that include extensive historical insight. The Nationality Rooms include 30 different nationalities and have seasonally alternating decor.
There is no need to book tickets in advance and the Cathedral, and its neighboring sites are sure to provide a fascinating day of cultural and historical insight into Secret Pittsburgh.
A Building from the Quiver of a Bowman
The archer did not see the giant game until he was right on top of it. Still, in this moment of high tension, he is poised while drawing his bow. His arrow, determined, fighting through dense brush until it finds its mark. The Bowman’s name was John and his arrow, the drive necessary to envision and construct a structure unlike any other university building in the world. Not only was this new building the tallest in the city, but more amazingly it was not built for commerce, but rather for the sole purpose of education.
School Building and Community Symbol
The Cathedral of Learning was once the highest higher education building in the world. Chancellor Bowman’s vision in building it was one of great height that would represent the quality of education that the University of Pittsburgh offered. While this is true, Bowman’s vision was much more far-reaching than that. The Cathedral of Learning not only plays an important role in the University of Pittsburgh student and faculty body, but is also an inclusive space that welcomes and represents the Pittsburgh community.