AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas is celebrating the birthday of its most notable building.
UT’s iconic Tower and Main Building turns 89 today, the University marking almost 90 years since the structure was dedicated on the 40 Acres.
The school celebrated with a special rendition of “Happy Birthday” played from the top of the tower by a member of UT’s student Guild of Carilloneurs.
The Tower and Main Building were dedicated on Feb. 27, 1937. While this is recognized as the “official” birthday of the structure, the University says that nearly three months passed before headlines began proclaiming that UT’s new “skyscraper” was open, a construction project that cost $3 million to complete.
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The ceremony included adding contemporary items to a time capsule, including UT course catalogs from the 1937-38 school year, a printed and signed list of the Board of Regents members, and newspapers from the day of the ceremony.
The Tower went under a variety of names, including the Library Building and the Administration-Library Building before students and faculty members settled on the new Main Building.