University of Texas Tower
NileGuide Expert Says:
The University of Texas Tower has seen tragedy and triumph. Take a guided tour to get the full story.
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Address:
2400 Inner Campus Drive
University of Texas Campus
Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
512-475-6633
Description:
Soaring 28 stories and 307 feet into the sky above the University of Texas campus, the University of Texas Tower is the campus' most easily recognizable landmark. A few miles north of downtown, the tower remains one of the tallest buildings in the campus area, and it's on top of a large hill, so it's viewable from many vantage points around town. Since its debut in 1937, the structure has served as the main building of the UT campus. The observation deck just below the clock tower was closed for several years after a gunman, Charles Whitman, went on a shooting spree from the tower in August 1966. Now, observation deck tours are available by reservation, and visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the cityscape. The
Texas State Capitol,
Mount Bonnell and other Austin landmarks are easily visible from this height. The tower is normally illuminated with a white light at night, but after athletic victories and other achievements, the tower lights turn burnt-orange, the official school color.
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