Jesse Hall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jesse Hall is the main administration building for the University of Missouri–Columbia. Built in 1893 after Academic Hall burned to the ground, the building is one of the major symbols of the University. It is located at the south end of the David R. Francis Quadrangle, often called simply "The Quad." Jesse Auditorium, a popular entertainment venue for touring acts, is located at the east end of the hall.
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[edit] History
Academic Hall burned on 9 January 1892, leaving only the famous six columns that now stand in the center of Francis Quadrangle. The fire was ignited by an electric chandelier in the meeting room, the forerunner of Jesse Auditorium, during a debate. The "New Academic Hall" was completed in 1895 just south of the columns. In 1922, the hall was renamed in honor of retiring University president, Richard Henry Jesse.
[edit] Architecture
The building is one of the most distinctive on the campus; the dome stands a full 9 stories above the ground, and is actually taller than the building it stands on. It was designed by Morris Frederick Bell. The dome is normally illuminated at night by bright white lights, but its color is changed to gold for homecoming and green for Engineers' Week each March.
[edit] Jesse Auditorium
The original entrance to the auditorium was from the quad on the north side. It originally seated 1,200 people, but after being proclaimed a fire hazard the wooden balcony was removed, reducing capacity to only 400. A complete renovation of the auditorium was carried out in 1953, and today it seats 1,732. Many great talents have graced the stage at Jesse. William Jennings Bryan gave his famous "Pending Problems" lecture there in 1900. Today, the University Concert Series books events such as touring Broadway Shows and symphony orchestras from around the world.
