Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower was constructed between 1939 and 1941 by Arthur Brown Jr. It was inspired by the cathedral tower at Salamanca and was finished at the 50th anniversary of Stanford’s founding. Due to its location and height (285 feet), Hoover Tower is one of the most visually prominent buildings at Stanford. The structure’s bold lack of ornament for the majority of its height may make it seem fortress-like, but the stepped-back octagonal potion that caps the tower is more ornate and showcases detailed carvings. The structure is encased in cement stucco pigmented to the color of grey-stone sandstone to mimic the buildings of the Main Quad.

The tower stands as a key element of the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace (a Stanford-affiliated public policy research center founded by Herbert Hoover, a member of the University’s first graduating class of 1895). It houses the Hoover Library of War and Peace, which focuses on the causes and consequences of World War I. Above galleries, offices, and library holdings, there is a 14^th floor carillon encircled by an observation deck that provides sweeping views of the Stanford campus.

Hoover Tower is a distinguished example of mid-20th century architecture in the United States and embodies the characteristics of depression era construction. It is considered to not only be an image of Stanford but also one of the West as a whole. As a structure dedicated to significant academic research and education, it is a powerful symbol of the University.