Walking Tour
Welcome to Harvard Law School
Founded in 1817, Harvard Law School is the oldest existing law school in the United States (a proprietary law school at Litchfield, Connecticut was older by 33 years). Harvard's first classes in law were held in College House #2, also known as the Weber farmhouse, until Dane Hall was designed for the Law School in 1832. Austin Hall, completed in 1883, replaced Dane Hall as the center of activity and, along with Gannett House (1838) and Hastings Hall (1889), serves as a present-day reminder of the Law School's history of change and growth.
Today, approximately 1850 students, 100 faculty members, and 325 staff members work, study, or live in nineteen buildings. Eight dormitories provide housing for approximately one-third of the students; Harkness Commons serves as a student center and cafeteria; and the remaining buildings hold classrooms, library collections, offices, and study and social areas. The heart of the Law School is Langdell Hall, which houses the main library as well as faculty offices and classrooms.
Most buildings are connected by an underground tunnel that is well used during blustery New England winters. Glass bridges connect Langdell Hall and its west wing, Areeda Hall, with the Lewis International Law Center on one side and Griswold Hall on the other. The Law School campus is shaded by beautiful old trees, and grassy areas invite students to congregate, study, or enjoy lunch outdoors.
Now, let's begin our tour!
- To take the entire Walking Tour click here
- To join in for part of the tour, click on the building of your choice in the map below.
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