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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Healy Hall

The iconic flagship building of Georgetown University, Healy Hall is a massive Neo-Romanesque and High Victorian Gothic masterpiece that serves as the symbol of the Hilltop campus.

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Healy Hall
ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0

What is Healy Hall known for?

Healy Hall is the flagship building of Georgetown University's main campus and serves as a symbol of the university and the Hilltop. It is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

What is the architectural style of Healy Hall?

The building's architecture is described as both Neo-Romanesque and High Victorian Gothic. It is noted as being one of the last large-scale High Victorian Gothic buildings in America.

When was Healy Hall built and who designed it?

Construction began in late 1877 and the exterior was largely completed by November 1879. It was designed by architects Paul J. Pelz and John L. Smithmeyer.

Who is the building named after?

Healy Hall is named after Patrick Francis Healy, S.J., who served as the 27th president of Georgetown University.

What makes the orientation of Healy Hall unique?

It was the first building on the Georgetown campus to be oriented toward the city rather than the river.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Healy Hall stands as the flagship building of Georgetown University's main campus in Washington, D.C. Constructed between November 1877 and November 1879, the structure was designed by architects Paul J. Pelz and John L. Smithmeyer. The building is celebrated as one of the last large-scale High Victorian Gothic buildings in America, blending Neo-Romanesque and High Victorian Gothic styles to create a commanding presence on the landscape. Spanning 118,388 gross square feet, the hall was the first building on campus to be oriented toward the city rather than the river. It was originally planned to house laboratories and a new library for the university's leadership. Today, it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, marking it as one of only two such buildings on the Georgetown campus. The building is named after Patrick Francis Healy, S.J., the 27th president of Georgetown. During his tenure from 1874 to 1883, Father Healy transformed the university, and the hall bears his name to honor this legacy of transformation. The structure continues to serve as the central symbol of the Hilltop, representing the academic and historic depth of the university.

Visitor tips

  • Allow extra time to admire the Neo-Romanesque details on the exterior facade.
  • Check for campus visitor guidelines before entering the building.
  • Visit during the morning to capture the best light for photography of the main entrance.

Nearby context

Healy Hall is the central landmark of the Georgetown University campus, known as the Hilltop, and is situated near other historic campus buildings like Old North, which has hosted fourteen U.S. presidents.

Sources

Evidence and links