The University of Arizona Campus Historic District was created in 1986 and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in Tucson, Arizona, the 380-acre campus includes 179 buildings, both historic and modern.
If you have your heart set on exploring the campus, in-person or via a virtual tour, here are 15 places to include on your must-see list. Read on to discover some of the most popular places to see at the University of Arizona.
University of Arizona Campus Highlights
- Cochise Hall
Cochise Hall, an historic dormitory on the University of Arizona campus, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Known for its distinctive design, including high ceilings and a lobby with a large stone fireplace, it has been a prominent residence hall since its construction, even making an appearance in the 1984 cult comedy classic Revenge of the Nerds.
- Old Main
The oldest building on campus serves as the administrative center and is home to the office of University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. Construction of Old Main was completed in 1891 and housed classrooms, dorms, offices, and a kitchen for 32 students and six faculty members. Designed by architect James Miller Creighton, Old Main was built with local stone and bricks, and was eventually added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 after being abandoned, repaired by the U.S. Navy during World War II, and later returned to campus use.
- Student Union Memorial Center
One of the largest student unions in the U.S., the Student Union Memorial Center at the University of Arizona stands as a tribute to those who have served and sacrificed, notably the 283 University-affiliated war dead and the men lost aboard the U.S.S. Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The building’s design mirrors the silhouette of the U.S.S. Arizona, with a cylindrical drum representing the ship’s main gun turret and a bell tower symbolizing its mast. One of the two original bells salvaged from the ship’s wreckage is housed in the tower, preserved through the efforts of alumnus Wilber L. “Bill” Bowers after it was found at the Puget Sound Naval Yard in Washington.
- University of Arizona Libraries
The University of Arizona Libraries have evolved throughout the decades, beginning in 1891 in the basement of Old Main. As the University grew, the library moved to the second floor of the Douglass Building, and in 1927, a new library — now the Arizona State Museum – North — was constructed. The Main Library opened in 1977, and specialized library branches include the Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library and the Health Sciences Library.
University of Arizona Sports Sights
- Arizona Stadium
Arizona Stadium has been home to thrilling football victories (and crushing losses) since 1928 and serves as the home of the Arizona Bowl. The University’s growth over the years has led to major renovations, including the $72.3 million Lowell-Stevens Football Facility in 2013 and a $30 million east-side renovation in 2018, bringing the total capacity to 50,782. Recent enhancements have further improved the fan experience, solidifying its status as a premier venue.
- Jim Click Hall of Champions
The Jim Click Hall of Champions Athletics Heritage Museum is a 9,000-square-foot museum and event space celebrating more than 100 years of Arizona Athletics history. Located at McKale Center, it features rotating exhibits of Olympians, professional athletes, women’s athletics, and iconic sports moments, along with the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Champions opened in 2003 and preserves the legacy of Wildcat athletics.
- McKale Memorial Center
The home of the Arizona Wildcats basketball teams and named after longtime coach and athletic director J.F. "Pop" McKale, McKale Memorial Center also hosts the school housing department offices, a weight room, and the Hall of Champions. Over the years, it has undergone significant renovations, including upgraded seating, enhanced lighting, and a high-definition scoreboard. The arena has consistently sold out, with Arizona leading the Pac-10/12 in attendance since 1984-85. The venue has hosted the NCAA tournament games, major national events, and even the USA Basketball Team.
For Arts and History Lovers Visiting the University of Arizona
- Arizona State Museum
Established in 1893, the Arizona State Museum is the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the Southwest, housing an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. The building is currently closed for renovations, but continues to offer teacher resources, online exhibits, events, hybrid programs, travel experiences, online shopping, and on-demand content.
- Center for Creative Photography
The Center for Creative Photography was founded in 1975 and is recognized as one of the world’s leading art museums and study centers for the history of photography. Its collection began with the archives of iconic photographers like Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, and Harry Callahan, and has since grown to include more than 270 archival collections and more than 110,000 works by 2,200 photographers. As a premier resource for research, exhibitions, and cultural dialogue, the Center offers an unparalleled collection of art, archival materials, and fine prints that continue to shape the understanding of photography's impact on society.
- Centennial Hall
Designed by the University’s chief architect Roy Place, Centennial Hall has been a cultural cornerstone since opening in 1937. It is home to Arizona Arts Live and hosts Broadway tours, classical music, jazz, dance, and world-renowned artists, among other events. Centennial Hall was extensively renovated in 1985 for the college’s centennial and is a premier hub for arts and culture in Southern Arizona.
- Museum of Art
The University of Arizona Museum of Art supports the University’s academic mission while fostering critical dialogue and celebrating art through its expanding collection. The permanent collection features masterpieces spanning eight centuries, including works by Elisabeth Vigée-LeBrun, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1981, the museum is one of only 1,070 nationally recognized institutions and invites community engagement with art on campus and beyond.
- Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
Completed in 2003, the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is a state-of-the-art, 29,000-square-foot facility designed for the University’s dance program, supporting nearly 50 programs annually. Home to the UA Dance Ensemble, the theater features a 300-seat performance space with a full-fly system, orchestra pit, and second-story studios enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass. The award-winning design has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects as one of “Arizona’s Greatest Architectural Wonders,” and the facility also includes a costume shop, scene shop, Pilates studio, and dressing rooms.
University of Arizona Science Sights
- Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium has served as the hub for science education on the University of Arizona campus since opening in 1975. Designed by Blanton and Company, the facility is located near the Astronomy Department and Steward Observatory. Major renovations in 2014 and 2016 modernized the planetarium with cutting-edge projection technology, upgraded seating, and a complete theater overhaul, culminating in the opening of the Eos Foundation Theater in 2017.
- Krutch Cactus Garden
Established in the 1890s as a cactus display garden, the Joseph Wood Krutch Garden reflects the University’s commitment to preserving the Sonoran Desert’s unique vegetation. Originally located west of Old Main, it was moved in 1929 and later named in honor of naturalist Joseph Wood Krutch in 1980. The garden is a cherished landmark, undergoing expansions in 2007 to include additional desert species, and today it serves as both a historical symbol and a living laboratory. The garden showcases the resilience of desert plants and is home to the famed Boojum tree, one of the tallest and most unusual trees in the world.
- Steward Observatory
Established in 1918 and completed in 1923, Steward Observatory is one of the University of Arizona’s oldest research units. The observatory houses a 36-inch Newtonian telescope — the first astronomical telescope built entirely with American-made products. As Tucson expanded, the observatory’s original location became less ideal for stargazing, leading to the telescope’s relocation in 1963. The original dome remains a campus landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Summary: What to See on the University of Arizona Campus
From historic dormitories and observatories to renowned sports and performance venues, the University of Arizona campus is a sight to see. Whether you're visiting for the Spring 2025 Commencement or just taking a virtual tour, these 15 historic locations provide a glimpse into the University’s past and its place among the country’s leading academic and cultural institutions.