Jesse Hall

Jesse Hall
Jesse Hall
	Jesse Hall, seen From the Francis Quadrangle
Former names	New Academic Hall
General information
Location	The University of Missouri Campus
Address	Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
Town or city	Columbia, Missouri
Country	United States
Inaugurated	June 4, 1895
Cost	$250,000
Owner	University of Missouri
Height	180 feet (55 m)
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Morris Frederick Bell

Jesse Hall, formerly New Academic Hall, is the main administration building for the University of Missouri. Its dome has towered 180 feet (55 m) above the south end of David R. Francis Quadrangle since its completion in 1895. In the lawn in front of Jesse Hall are The Columns, all that remains of its predecessor Academic Hall, which was destroyed by fire in 1892. The building contains the office of the chancellor, university registrar, graduate school, admissions, and financial aid. One of the most photographic landmarks in Missouri, the building was designed by Missouri architect Morris Frederick Bell, and is his largest surviving work. Jesse Auditorium had hosted graduations and many university functions over the years. The University Concert Series presents national and international concerts, Broadway shows, performers, bands, speakers, and theater to the largest auditorium in Columbia. As the former home of the School of Music, student performances occasionally take place. The building is the most prominent contributing structure to the David R. Francis Quadrangle National Register of Historic Places District. In 1922, "New Academic Hall" was renamed "Jesse Hall" in honor of retiring University President Richard Henry Jesse.