The 42-story Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh

Standing before the Cathedral of Learning fills my heart with such pure excitement because it is a true masterpiece of Late Gothic Revival beauty. It is a total triumph of architecture reaching 42 stories into the sky as the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. I am just beaming with pride looking at this Oakland landmark draped in beautiful Indiana limestone.

I feel so inspired by the grand vision that began in 1921 and saw the exterior finish in October 1934, prior to the formal dedication in June 1937. It is such a delight that students call it Cathy as it serves as the primary classroom and administrative center for the university.

My spirit lifts when I think of the massive gothic Commons Room and the 31 Nationality Rooms that celebrate such a diverse world. These spaces are a wonderful gift from Pittsburgh's ethnic communities to show off their beautiful cultures through styles of different nations and ethnic groups.

I am overjoyed to see how the building still hums with vibrant energy for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the Frederick Honors College. It is a dream to imagine students gathering in the vaulted study halls or the basement black box theater. I could spend forever wandering the lobby just to see the noted examples of stained glass, stone, wood, and iron work.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons