The skyline of Pittsburgh is famously punctuated by a unique and striking structure: the Cathedral Of Learning. This towering skyscraper, more than just an impressive architectural feat, stands as a symbol of ambition, community spirit, and the enduring pursuit of knowledge. Its story is intrinsically linked to the University of Pittsburgh and the visionary leadership of one man, Chancellor John Gabbert Bowman.
The Visionary Founder: John Gabbert Bowman
John Gabbert Bowman served as the Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh from 1921 to 1945, a period marked by significant growth and transformation for the institution. Bowman envisioned a different kind of university building, one that would inspire awe and embody the lofty ideals of education. He famously proclaimed of his Oakland skyscraper, “They shall find wisdom here and faith—in steel and stone, in character and thought—they shall find beauty, adventure, and moments of high victory.” This quote encapsulates his belief that the Cathedral of Learning would be more than just classrooms; it would be a place of profound discovery and personal growth.
Architectural Grandeur: Designed by Charles Zeller Klauder
To bring his vision to life, Bowman enlisted the expertise of Philadelphia architect Charles Zeller Klauder. Klauder, renowned for his collegiate gothic style, embraced the challenge of designing what would become the world’s tallest educational building at the time. Initially conceived as a 52-story structure, the design evolved through numerous iterations before settling on the approved 40-story plan. Even today, its educational height is only surpassed by the main tower of Moscow State University in Russia, a testament to Klauder’s innovative and ambitious design. The Cathedral’s unique architecture blends Gothic and Art Deco elements, creating a visually stunning and academically inspiring environment.
Alt text: The Cathedral of Learning at University of Pittsburgh, a towering gothic skyscraper, dominates the city skyline.
A Gift of Land and Community Fundraising
The land upon which the Cathedral stands, a 14-acre plot known as Frick Acres, was generously donated to the University by philanthropists Andrew W. Mellon and his brother, Richard B. Mellon. This site held historical significance, previously being the location of the mansion of James K. Moorhead, a U.S. Congressman and president of the Atlantic & Ohio Telegraph Co., a precursor to Western Union.
Raising funds for such an ambitious project was a monumental task. Bowman launched one of the first modern fundraising campaigns, engaging Pittsburgh businesses, philanthropic organizations, and individual citizens. A particularly innovative aspect of this campaign was the “Buy a Brick” initiative, which invited schoolchildren to contribute a dime in exchange for a certificate recognizing them as “Builders of the Cathedral of Learning.” Over 97,000 children participated, demonstrating the widespread community support and making even the youngest residents stakeholders in this grand educational endeavor. These “builders,” now adults, still retain a sense of loyalty and connection to the University and the Cathedral.
Alice Sapienza Donnelly, one such “builder,” recounted her childhood memory of contributing a dime and later visiting the construction site with her father. Robert Lavelle, another contributor and later a Pitt graduate, recalled the inspiring image of the Cathedral presented to him as a schoolboy and his insightful question about its lack of a steeple, leading to the explanation that “there is no peak to learning.” These personal anecdotes highlight the deep community engagement and the symbolic resonance of the Cathedral of Learning.
Alt text: Archival image of children participating in the “Buy a Brick” campaign to fund the Cathedral of Learning construction in the 1920s.
A Timeline of Progress and Milestones
The construction of the Cathedral of Learning was a significant undertaking, spanning over a decade and marked by key milestones:
- March 1921: Chancellor Bowman articulates his vision for a “tower singing upward” for the University of Pittsburgh.
- November 6, 1924: Bowman publicly names the new building “a cathedral of learning” at a fundraising dinner.
- 1925: Fundraising efforts commence, including the innovative “Buy a Brick” campaign.
- July 25, 1926: The University Trustees approve Charles Klauder’s architectural plan.
- 1926: The Nationality Rooms Program, a unique feature of the Cathedral, is initiated.
- September 27, 1926: Groundbreaking and excavation begin at the site.
- October 21, 1929: The final girder is riveted into place, just before the Wall Street Crash.
- February 28, 1931: The first class is held in the Cathedral, marking its partial opening.
- October 1934: Exterior stone work is completed.
- June 4, 1937: The cornerstone is laid in the Commons Room by Chancellor Bowman.
- March-April 1938: Large-scale student health initiatives are conducted within the building.
- July 8, 1938: The first Nationality Rooms are dedicated, showcasing diverse cultures.
- March 7, 1939: International figures participate in Nationality Room dedications, highlighting the global perspective.
- 1940: Samuel Yellin’s ornamental gates are installed in the Commons Room, adding artistic detail.
- November 7, 1941: Royal visits mark the dedication of Nationality Rooms, emphasizing international connections.
- 1943-1944: The Cathedral serves as a headquarters for military training programs during wartime.
- 1945: Women’s contributions are recognized with the completion of the 12th floor.
- 1955: Historic rooms from the Croghan Mansion are installed, preserving local heritage.
- March 8, 1956: The Cathedral is formally dedicated to Chancellor Emeritus John G. Bowman.
- February 1957: The Commons Room becomes a polio vaccination center, contributing to public health.
- September 24, 1959: Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev visits the Nationality Rooms, reflecting Cold War era diplomacy.
- November 3, 1975: The Cathedral, Commons Room, and Nationality Rooms are designated National Landmarks.
- February 22, 1977: The Pittsburgh City Council designates the Cathedral as a Historic Structure.
- January 9, 2000: The Indian Nationality Classroom is dedicated, expanding the program’s cultural representation.
- 2002: Peregrine falcons begin nesting on the Cathedral, symbolizing resilience and nature in the urban environment.
- October 24, 2003: Royal visits continue, solidifying international academic connections.
- April 10, 2005: Polio vaccine pioneers are honored in the Commons Room, celebrating Pitt’s medical achievements.
- February 28, 2007: A preservation plan for the Cathedral’s exterior is announced, ensuring its future.
This timeline demonstrates the Cathedral’s continuous evolution and its enduring relevance to both the University and the wider community.
Alt text: The grand Commons Room inside the Cathedral of Learning, featuring gothic architectural elements.
National Landmark and Historic Recognition
The Cathedral of Learning’s architectural and historical significance has been officially recognized through its designation as a National Landmark by the National Park Service in 1975 and as a Historic Structure by the Pittsburgh City Council in 1977. These designations underscore its importance not only to Pittsburgh but to the nation’s architectural and educational heritage.
The Enduring Legacy of the Cathedral
Today, the Cathedral of Learning remains the iconic centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh campus. It houses classrooms, academic departments, and the unique Nationality Rooms, which celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Pittsburgh. More than just a building, the Cathedral of Learning embodies the spirit of ambition, community collaboration, and the timeless pursuit of knowledge that Chancellor Bowman envisioned. It stands as a beacon of education, a symbol of Pittsburgh’s resilience, and a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Its story continues to inspire students, faculty, and visitors alike, solidifying its place as a true icon of learning.
