The Cathedral of Learning: Navigating Its Hours and Spaces
The Cathedral of Learning, a towering Gothic Revival structure and a prominent landmark on the University of Pittsburgh's (Pitt) main campus, is more than just an architectural marvel; it's a dynamic hub of academic and administrative activity. Colloquially known as "Cathy" by students, this 42-story skyscraper, standing at 535 feet, holds the distinction of being the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere and the second-tallest university building globally. Its impressive stature and rich history are matched by its complex operational hours and the diverse array of spaces it houses. Understanding the Cathedral of Learning's hours and accessibility is crucial for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike.
Operational Adjustments and Access Policies
In response to evolving needs, particularly the imperative for additional study spaces and enhanced cleaning protocols, Pitt has made significant modifications to the operating hours of many of its buildings, including the Cathedral of Learning. As of October 9, 2020, these revisions were implemented to ensure the "maximum use of study spaces while allowing sufficient time for a nightly thorough cleaning of facilities," according to University spokesperson Pat McMahon.
A key aspect of these policy adjustments is the restriction of public access. McMahon emphasized that "all University buildings are closed to the public and may only be accessed by students, faculty and staff who have Pitt IDs." This measure is in place to manage building access and ensure the safety and security of the university community.
Designated Study Spaces and Their Availability
Within the vast expanse of the Cathedral of Learning, specific rooms are designated for student use, particularly for studying. Currently, eight rooms are open for this purpose: G8, G14, G16, G20, G24, 232, 332, and 512. These spaces vary in capacity, accommodating between 12 to 52 individuals, and all require a valid Pitt ID for entry.
It's important to note that the availability of these spaces can fluctuate, particularly on Saturdays. Furthermore, the dance studio located on the fifth floor operates on a reservation system, indicating a need for advance planning for its use. The University's initiative to provide these dedicated study areas reflects a commitment to supporting student academic endeavors, especially during peak periods or when other campus facilities might be at capacity.
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Navigating the Cathedral: Visitor Information and Accessibility
While the primary function of the Cathedral of Learning is academic, it also attracts visitors interested in its history, architecture, and unique features, such as the Nationality Rooms. The Nationality and Heritage Rooms Visitor Center, situated on the first floor, serves as a gateway for such explorations. This center is accessible without stairs, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance is available on the Heinz Chapel facing side of the building, to the left of the Fifth Avenue entrance. For those requiring accessible drop-off, pull-in areas are available at the Bigelow entrance. Both the Visitor Center and all of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms can be reached via elevator.
However, due to the historic nature of some of these spaces, a few rooms may have elements that are not fully compliant with ADA standards. For those planning a visit, it's advisable to check specific accessibility details for any particular room of interest.
While most public access is managed through the Visitor Center, it is worth noting that "some tours are available outside of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms Visitor Center operating hours," suggesting alternative avenues for experiencing the building's offerings.
Transportation and Parking
For those planning to visit the Cathedral of Learning, understanding transportation and parking options is essential. Metered parking is available on all four sides of the building. The closest parking garage is the Soldiers and Sailors Garage, located at Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard. For larger groups arriving by bus, it's important to note that there is no designated area for permanent bus parking. However, large groups may temporarily disembark their bus on Bigelow Boulevard to enter the building.
For those driving from out of town, directions can be followed via I-279 toward Pittsburgh. Key exits include the Pittsburgh/Monroeville Exit (Exit 57) and the Oakland Exit (3B). Continuing on Bates Street allows access to Forbes Avenue by turning left onto several roads, including McKee Place, Semple Street, Atwood Street, or S. Oakland. Alternatively, following the Boulevard of the Allies and staying in the left lane will also lead to the Cathedral.
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A Historical and Architectural Giant
The Cathedral of Learning's genesis dates back to 1921 when John Gabbert Bowman became the tenth chancellor of the university. At a time when the campus comprised a series of buildings and temporary structures, Bowman envisioned a monumental building that would transcend its function as a mere schoolhouse, aiming to embody the aspirations of Pittsburgh itself. The chosen site was a 14-acre plot known as Frick Acres.
The architectural design fell to Charles Klauder, a distinguished Gothic architect. His task was to meld the concept of a modern skyscraper with the enduring traditions and ideals of Gothic architecture. This resulted in a 42-story structure, a steel-frame edifice clad in Indiana limestone, housing over 2,000 rooms and windows. Construction commenced in 1926, and while it was the tallest building in Pittsburgh upon the start of its construction, the Gulf Tower would later surpass it before the Cathedral's formal dedication in June 1937. The first classes were held in 1931, and the exterior was completed in October 1934.
Interior Spaces and Their Significance
The Cathedral of Learning is a repository of diverse spaces, each with its own character and purpose. The ground floor features computer labs, language labs, classrooms, and the Cathedral Café food court. The lobby, spanning the first through third floors, is dominated by the Commons Room, a vast, half-acre, 4-story-high vaulted hall designed in a 15th-century English Perpendicular Gothic style. This space, a gift from Andrew Mellon, is an architectural marvel, with its arches requiring no steel supports and its acoustics enhanced by Guastavino tiles. The Commons Room is not only a general study area but also a venue for special events.
The Nationality Rooms: A Global Tapestry
A unique and defining feature of the Cathedral of Learning is its collection of 31 Nationality Rooms, located on the first and third floors. These rooms, conceived as a way to involve the community in the building's construction, were designed by Pittsburgh's various ethnic communities to reflect their heritage. Twenty-nine of these rooms function as classrooms, while two are reserved for display or special events. The creation of each room was a community-driven effort, with committees responsible for fundraising, design, and acquisition, often supported by foreign governments. These rooms are adorned with authentic artifacts and materials, offering an immersive journey through different cultures. A typical room, completed between 1938 and 1957, could cost the equivalent of US$300,000 in 2006 dollars.
Academic and Administrative Hubs
The Cathedral of Learning serves as a vital academic and administrative center. It houses the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Social Work, and numerous departments, including Philosophy (consistently ranked among the top in the US), History and Philosophy of Science, English, Religious Studies, and Theatre Arts. The School of Social Work, notably, maintains the highest classrooms in the building, located on the 23rd floor.
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Other notable spaces include:
- The Edward V. Babcock Memorial Room: A plush conference room on the 40th floor, offering panoramic views of Pittsburgh, originally intended as the university trustees' boardroom.
- The Braun Room: Located on the 12th floor, this room exemplifies a modern reproduction of Louis XV design, furnished with pieces acquired in 1941.
- The Croghan-Schenley Room: Comprising two adjoining Greek Revival rooms on the first floor, these spaces were once part of an early 19th-century mansion and are rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Schenley.
- The Frick Auditorium: A lecture hall in room 324, featuring stone mullions, chambranle, and wooden lecture seating, with a centerpiece reproduction of Piero della Francesca's The Resurrection.
- The University of Pittsburgh's Humanities Center: Housed in room 602 on the sixth floor, this space was formerly the Darlington Memorial Library, known for its extensive collection on Western Pennsylvania history.
- Cultural Studies, Film Studies, and Gender, Sexuality, & Women's Studies Programs: These departments are located on the fourth floor, a space that previously served as the main stacks of the university's library and later housed the McCarl Center for Nontraditional Student Success.
Floors 38-40 are generally closed to the public, housing mechanical equipment and the Babcock Room. The 40th-floor balcony is also notable for being a nesting site for Peregrine falcons.
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