Beloved Spooner Hall has served as a library, an art museum and an anthropology museum. In 2008, it begins a new life as home to the Commons, a state-of-the-art place for learning.
Spooner Hall was dedicated in 1894 as KU's first library. Photo/University Relations
KU's Lawrence campus in 1898, with Spooner at lower left. Photo/KU Archives
Spooner Hall was built through a bequest of William B. Spooner, an uncle of KU Chancellor Francis Snow. Photo/KU Archives
Oread Avenue has always been well-traveled. Photo/KU Archives
Column detail. Photo/Earl Richardson
With its Revival Romanesque facade, Spooner is architecturally unique on campus. Photo/KU Archives
Postcard presentation of the previous photo. From KU Archives
Reflected in the windows of KU's Natural History Museum across Oread Avenue. Photo/Earl Richardson
The owl signifies wisdom. Photo/Earl Richardson
Main library room, with south-facing windows. Photo/KU Archives
Exterior view of south-facing windows. Photo/Earl Richardson
Main room of Spooner Library, 1900. Photo/KU Archives
Spooner Library, main room. Photo/KU Archives
Spooner's central area today, with south-facing windows at right. Photo/Diane Guthrie
The main room is home to the Commons, which hosts exhibits, lectures, performances and other events. Photo/Diane Guthrie
Exterior architectural detail. Photo/Earl Richardson
Sallie Casey Thayer of Kansas City, Mo., donated her extensive art collection to KU in 1917. Photo/KU Archives
KU's Watson Library opened in 1924. In 1926, a refurbished Spooner Library became Spooner-Thayer Art Museum. Photo/KU Archives
Main room of Spooner-Thayer Art Museum. Photo/KU Archives
Early view from the southwest, with front entrance on the west. Photo/KU Archives
1897 view from the southeast showing the apse, which faces east. Photo/KU Archives
The apse under renovation in 1984. Photo/KU Archives
KU's art collection moved to the new Spencer Art Museum in 1978. From 1979 through 2002 Spooner housed the Museum of Anthropology. Photo/KU Archives
The apse today, with recent, extensive renovations completed and an honors class in session. Photo/David McKinney, University Relations
View from the apse through the doorway into the main room. Photo/David McKinney, University Relations
The windows carry a new art installation, "Niche: Nature morte in the simulated garden." Photo/David McKinney, University Relations
A gift from KU alumni Tom and Jann Rudkin provided support for Spooner's renovation. Photo/Steve Puppe
Whoso Findeth Wisdom Findeth Life. Photo/Earl Richardson