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Seattle, Washington / Landmarks

Suzzallo Library

A Collegiate Gothic masterpiece at the heart of the University of Washington, featuring a soaring reading room and monumental stained-glass windows that evoke the feeling of a campus cathedral.

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Suzzallo Library
lib.uw.edu, og_image_lib.uw.edu

What is the Suzzallo Library known for?

It is noted for its historical Collegiate Gothic architecture and is described as the "campus cathedral," featuring 11 monumental stained-glass windows and the most voluminous library reading room in the nation.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, the Suzzallo Library is free to visit and is open to the general public as well as UW students, staff, and faculty.

What are the hours?

Typical visitor hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday until 5:00 PM, and Sunday starting at 1:00 PM; it is closed on Saturdays.

Is the library accessible?

Yes, the Red Square entrance provides ramp access with a door paddle.

Who is the library named after?

The library is named for Henry Suzzallo, who served as the president of the University of Washington until 1926.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Suzzallo Library is a stunning Collegiate Gothic landmark situated within the brick plaza known as Red Square on the University of Washington Seattle campus. Named for Henry Suzzallo, the university president who stepped down in 1926, the first phase of the library's construction was completed that same year. The building serves as a central hub for learning, housing approximately 1.6 million volumes from the broader UW Libraries collection. Often described as the campus cathedral, the 1927 portion of the structure is renowned for its 11 monumental stained-glass windows and intricate Gothic-inspired ornamentation. This ornamentation includes buttresses, arches, and statues crafted from cast stone, terra cotta, and brick. Inside, visitors can find the most voluminous library reading room in the nation, an immense sanctuary for study measuring 65 feet high, 52 feet wide, and 250 feet long. The facility has evolved through several expansions to meet growing academic needs. It gained a south wing in 1935 and a modernist addition by Bindon and Wright in 1963, which provided additional study spaces for undergraduates. More recent updates include a 2016 renovation that created a 4,025 square foot book and paper conservation lab on the fifth floor of the 1960s connector building. Due to its historical masonry, the library has faced structural challenges. After being designated as one of the most dangerous buildings on campus during an earthquake in 1991, the University of Washington initiated a major seismic retrofit in 2025. This $21.5 million project, scheduled to run through August 2026, focuses on reinforcing exterior unreinforced masonry elements to ensure the landmark's preservation.

Visitor tips

  • Enter via the Red Square entrance to utilize the ramp access and door paddle for accessibility.
  • Visit Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM for the most flexible access hours.
  • Keep your voice to a whisper in the reading room to respect students and researchers in this sanctuary for learning.
  • Check the official UW Libraries website for holiday closures, such as Juneteenth.

Nearby context

Suzzallo Library sits at the heart of the University of Washington Seattle campus, anchored by the expansive brick plaza of Red Square, which serves as a primary gathering point for students and visitors alike.

Sources

Evidence and links