The Historic Restoration of Memorial Union

Photograph by Aaron Mayes

Guthier welcomes us to the new Union South, which opened six months ago to rave reviews from students, Union members and community groups. Spending no time basking in the glow of this successful project, Guthier has turned his attention to the monumental task of renovating and restoring the Memorial Union. Originally built in 1928, the Memorial Union is the iconic and undisputed social center of the UW-Madison campus. Initially imagined as the “living room” of the University, the Memorial Union has delivered on that vision for more than 80 years, indoors and out. As early as 1934, the alumni magazine was calling the Union Terrace “a favorite summer rendezvous,” and it even became a winter favorite when flooded for ice skating during the week of winter carnival. The Memorial Union has been a gathering place for generations of students and the place all alumni come home to. Enjoy images of your favorite spots at the Memorial Union, learn about their history and imagine how they might be made even better for future students.