Arts Tower, Sheffield

The Arts Tower is a prominent building in Sheffield and is part of the University of Sheffield. Opened in 1965, the tower stands 78 meters (256 feet) tall, making it the second-tallest building in the city after Saint Paul's Tower on Arundel Gate, which was completed in 2009. The building was constructed by the British civil engineering firm Mitchell Construction, with photographs from its topping-out ceremony in October 1964 providing a glimpse into the working conditions of that era.

Designed by the architectural firm Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners (GMW), the Arts Tower's construction began in 1961 and was completed over four years. Despite popular belief, there is no direct evidence linking its design to the Seagram Building in New York City or the CIS Tower and New Century House in Manchester, although the stylistic similarities are apparent.

Originally, entry to the Arts Tower was via a wide bridge that spanned fountains over a shallow pool in front of the building. However, this pool was eventually covered over after it was discovered that strong wind downdrafts caused the fountain water to drench people entering and exiting the building.

The building features two ordinary lifts and a notable paternoster lift with 38 cars, the largest of its kind still in operation in the UK. A bridge at the mezzanine level connects the tower to the Western Bank Library, another structure designed by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, highlighting the intended visual relationship between the two buildings. Both the Arts Tower and the library are recognized as Grade II* listed buildings, reflecting their architectural and historical significance. A spokesperson for English Heritage once described the Arts Tower as "the most elegant university tower block in Britain of its period."