
Fun Things about University of Texas Tower - Austin's First Skyscraper
The University of Texas Tower is a 307 foot tall multistory building, built in 1937. It is Austin's first skyscraper and is a part of the city's history now. Built by architect Paul Cret from Philadelphia, the UT Tower often serves as the most recognized landmark for the University of Texas. Take a tour of this historic building to discover hidden architectural and sculptural treasures.
Architectural Details: One of the most notable features in the UT Tower is the grand stairway leading to the south entrance to the main building with 7 arches. Other features to admire are the ceiling decorations, Academic Room in the second floor, reading rooms in the Life Science Library, spectacular views from the south porches of the Capitol, and the beautiful lamps and light fixtures all throughout the building.
The Tower Garden: The UT Tower Garden is host to many special events all though the year. These events are mostly dedicated to occasions like the infamous shooting on August 1, 1966 when an ex student by the name of Charles Whitman went on a shooting rampage in the Tower and other parts of the University killing 14 people and wounding 32 more.
Music at the University of Texas Tower: One of the most interesting attractions in the Tower is the music "performances" by Tom Anderson 3 days a week at the practice room of the main building. Tom is actually the carillonneur who plays the tower carillon with 56 bells every 15 minutes from 6am to 9pm. This part of the tower is open for public for weekend tours all throughout the day.

