What Is Sever Hall?
This academic hall is considered one of the masterworks of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture!
What Makes It Historical?
Henry Hobson Richardson pioneered his own unique architectural style after returning to the states from the École des Beaux Arts in Paris (only the second US citizen to attend). This Richardsonian Romanesque style drew from the medieval architecture of southern France, Spain, and Italy and was first unveiled in 1872 at the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane! It’s characterized by round towers and peaked roofs and influenced other architects like Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright!
Mr. Richardson got commissioned to build an academic hall at Harvard in 1878 at the bequest of Anne Sever, for her late husband, James Sever. He constructed it from about 1.3 million red bricks, held together by blood mortar, which, as you might guess, was made with animal blood to be durable and water repellant! This was one way to cut down on waste from slaughterhouses!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Donate to Harvard University!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
25 Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!