Red Gym, Madison
The Red Gym, officially the University of Wisconsin鈥揗adison Armory and Gymnasium, stands as one of the campus鈥檚 most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1894, this fortress-like red-brick building was conceived in an era of social upheaval, combining both athletic and military functions in its Romanesque Revival form.
Originally built to serve as a dual-purpose facility鈥攈ousing drill rooms, bowling alleys, a swimming tank, rifle ranges, and a spacious assembly hall for university gatherings鈥攖he Red Gym was designed with public safety and functionality in mind. Its robust, castle-like appearance reflected concerns over labor unrest at the time, as well as University of Wisconsin鈥檚 ambition to create a multipurpose civic and athletic space.
Over the years, the building evolved with the campus. After its athletic uses waned and plans for demolition nearly gained traction, it survived a serious firebomb attack in 1970, then underwent renovation to serve student and community needs rather than sporting events. Today the Red Gym is a student-service center, home to the Multicultural Student Center, Morgridge Center for Public Service, and several cultural resource offices, reflecting its new role as a space for diversity, advocacy, and engagement.
Originally built to serve as a dual-purpose facility鈥攈ousing drill rooms, bowling alleys, a swimming tank, rifle ranges, and a spacious assembly hall for university gatherings鈥攖he Red Gym was designed with public safety and functionality in mind. Its robust, castle-like appearance reflected concerns over labor unrest at the time, as well as University of Wisconsin鈥檚 ambition to create a multipurpose civic and athletic space.
Over the years, the building evolved with the campus. After its athletic uses waned and plans for demolition nearly gained traction, it survived a serious firebomb attack in 1970, then underwent renovation to serve student and community needs rather than sporting events. Today the Red Gym is a student-service center, home to the Multicultural Student Center, Morgridge Center for Public Service, and several cultural resource offices, reflecting its new role as a space for diversity, advocacy, and engagement.
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Red Gym on Map
Sight Name: Red Gym
Sight Location: Madison, USA (See walking tours in Madison)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madison, USA (See walking tours in Madison)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madison, Wisconsin
Create Your Own Walk in Madison
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madison is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Walking Tour
Founded the same year as Wisconsin achieved its statehood 鈥� 1848, the University of Wisconsin in Madison (often simply referred to as UW Madison) is the oldest public university in the state and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. The UW Madison campus, located on the shores of Lake Mendota, includes four National Historic Landmarks. Complete with these and a sweeping view... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Madison Introduction Walking Tour
The Native Americans called the Madison area Taychopera, meaning "land of the four lakes" which are known today as Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The first European settlement began in 1829 when James Duane Doty, a former federal judge, purchased over a thousand acres of land between Lakes Mendota and Monona.
The city was named after President James Madison and made the state... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The city was named after President James Madison and made the state... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles