Memorial Union (Wisconsin)

For places with similar names, see Memorial Union (disambiguation).

The Memorial Union
The Memorial Union as seen from the Library Mall on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
General information
Town or city	Madison, Wisconsin
Country	United States
Coordinates	43°04′35″N 89°24′00″W
Design and construction
Architect	Arthur Peabody

The Memorial Union, known locally as simply "the Union", is located on the shore of Lake Mendota on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Between the building and the lake is the Terrace, a highly-popular outdoor space.

The exterior was designed by University Architect Arthur Peabody. It opened in 1928, and is run by the Wisconsin Union, a membership organization. Porter Butts, the first director, called it a "college union" because it combines the characteristics of a student union ("student activity center" in other countries) and a student government ("students' union" in other countries) in an organization that brings together students, faculty, and members of the surrounding community. It has gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful student centers on a university campus. Outside the main building is the Memorial Union Terrace, a stone outdoor dining and recreation area on the shore of Lake Mendota. The Terrace was designed by Peabody's daughter, Charlotte. It is a popular spot for socializing among students and locals with the backdrop of the beautiful lake, sailboats in view, and with the sound of live music, usually free to the public (paid by student fees), in the evening.

The Union is also known for der Rathskeller, a German-style beerhall in the Union that directly connects to the Terrace outside. Political debates and card or board games are common among students over a beer on the terrace.

Some of the services at the Union include food locations such as der Rathskeller and Lakefront on Langdon. In addition the Daily Scoop sells the UW made Babcock Ice cream. Peet's Coffee Shop is a privately managed operation that opened in 2009 serving coffee and pastries. The Essentials desk acts as information as well as a small retail shop. There you can buy bus tickets, Euro rail passes, newspapers, apparel, and snacks. There is also a catering department which serves conferences, events for the university, and weddings of members of the Union, and the annual Tudor Dinners.

Image gallery

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  Hoofer Badger Sloops on Lake Mendota behind Memorial Union

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  The Memorial Union Terrace during the fall of 2008.

External links

• Wisconsin Union website
• The Wisconsin Union—The First 75 Years (1904-79), interviews with Wisconsin Union Director Porter F. Butts