Maxwell Hall, Bloomington

Constructed in 1890, Maxwell Hall's Romanesque Revival style, designed by architect George Bunting, reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th century. The building's facade boasts intricate stone carvings, including a coiled serpent at the entrance and whimsical bat-like grotesques adorning the roofline, exuding both a sense of whimsy and gravitas. Its rounded arches, contrasting stone textures, and ornate decorations make it a standout structure in the Old Crescent, IU's historic district.

Originally serving as the university's first dedicated library building, Maxwell Hall quickly became a focal point of campus life. It provided a gathering place for students, facilitated faculty scholarship, and became an iconic symbol of Indiana University at the turn of the century. Renamed in 1894 in honor of Dr. David H. Maxwell, a prominent figure in IU's Board of Trustees and Bloomington's mayor, Maxwell Hall later housed the university's Law School and its library. Over the years, it evolved to accommodate various administrative offices and important university units, witnessing generations of students passing through its halls.

In 2020-21, Maxwell Hall became the home of the new Cook Center for Public Arts & Humanities. Generously supported by Mrs. Cook and a Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, this transformation marks a new chapter in Maxwell Hall's storied history. As the Cook Center, the building continues to serve as a hub for community engagement, creativity, and academic excellence, embodying IU's commitment to fostering scholarship and artistic endeavors.