Then and Now: Old Main

Name: Old Main

Year Built: 1876

Distinction: CU’s first and oldest building. Constructed just before Colorado became a state.

Today: Houses Arts & Sciences faculty offices, the Chapel Theatre and CU’s Heritage Center.

Once Upon a Time: When it opened, Old Main included living quarters for the president and his family, plus classrooms, a library, laboratories and rooms for the building custodian and his family.

Did You Know: The university's first library started in one room on the second floor of Old Main. It then moved to the third floor and then eventually the ground level because the third floor could no longer safely support the weight of the books.

Memory to share? Email editor@colorado.edu. 

Check out our other building posts here.

Photos courtesy the CU Heritage Center, Amanda Clark, Casey A. Cass