What is Denny Hall known for?

Denny Hall is the oldest building on the University of Washington's current Seattle campus. It is a brick-and-sandstone structure designed in the French Renaissance Revival style.

Who was the building named after?

The building is named after Arthur A. Denny, who is described as the “father of the university.”

When was Denny Hall built and who designed it?

It was designed by Charles Saunders and constructed between 1894 and 1895.

What is inside the building?

The building houses classrooms, offices, and language labs. As of 2016, it housed the university's departments of Anthropology, Classics, Germanics, and Near Eastern Languages & Civilization.

Is the building accessible?

Yes, a major renovation made Denny Hall universally accessible for the first time.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Denny Hall in Seattle

Denny Hall

The oldest building on the University of Washington's current campus, this French Renaissance Revival masterpiece of brick and sandstone is named after the 'father of the university,' Arthur A. Denny.

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What to know

Denny Hall stands as the oldest building on the University of Washington's current Seattle campus, serving as a cornerstone of the institution's history. Constructed between 1894 and 1895, the structure was designed by architect Charles Saunders, whose French Renaissance Revival style was chosen after beating out 24 other competing designs. The building's exterior is characterized by a striking combination of brick and sandstone, which contributes to its status as one of the most visually striking buildings on campus. Originally known as the Administration Building, the structure was renamed Denny Hall in 1910 to honor Arthur A. Denny, a settler who arrived at Alki Point in November 1851 and is often described as the 'father of the university.' The building's cornerstone was laid in July 1894, a ceremony attended by approximately 1,000 people, marking the beginning of the University's relocation to its north-end campus. When first completed in 1895, the 20,000 square foot facility housed all six of the university's colleges, including a 736-seat auditorium, a 6,000-volume library, and ten classrooms. Today, the building continues to serve as an academic hub, housing the departments of Anthropology, Classics, Germanics, and Near Eastern Languages & Civilization, as well as language labs and offices. Recent renovations by Hacker Architects and Glumac have modernized the building's systems. These upgrades included the introduction of an atrium and central staircase to restore internal connectivity and light, as well as the installation of high-performance lighting and insulation in the exterior walls and roof. For the first time, these renovations have made the building universally accessible to all visitors.

Visitor tips

Admire the brick and sandstone exterior from the outside if you are not attending a class.
Look for the cornerstone laid in July 1894 to appreciate the building's age.
Allow about 20 minutes to walk around the perimeter to appreciate the French Renaissance Revival details.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the University of Washington Seattle campus, Denny Hall is surrounded by modern academic buildings and serves as a historical anchor for the north-end campus layout.

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