Built in 1936, as the first phase in the replacement of the Old Main Building, the tower is the centerpiece of the University of Texas campus in the heart of Austin.
Standing 27 stories high, the tower is slightly taller than the State Capitol. The gold-plated clocks on each face measure more than 12 feet in diameter.
It glows Longhorn Orange in celebration of UT victories and the Tower bells entertain the campus with song.
View from Above: The Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the St. Louis Gateway Arch are famous as landmarks and as platforms for a breathtaking view of at least some small portion of the earth. In cities all over the world people line up to climb stairs or take elevators to observation decks that offer a "bird's eye" view of the world. Unfortunately, these platforms in the sky also attract those who wish to harm themselves or others.
Once open to visitors, the observation deck at the UT Tower was closed in 1974 after yet another suicide jump from the tower. But its most infamous part in history came on August 1, 1966 when student Charles Whitman perched atop the tower and starting shooting. Thirteen died. Many more were injured.
A New View from Above: Closed for the past quarter of a century, for most of us, views from the tower were only available online in static photos or VR movies.
On September 15, 1999 (the 116th birthday of UT) the University of Texas Tower Observation Deck reopened. Once again it played host to tourists and locals seeking to enjoy the view of Austin from their lofty perch - or who wanted a close-up look at a tragic bit of Austin and American history.
The Tower reopened in the Fall of 1999 with a new "safety lattice" designed to provide a mostly unimpaired view from the Tower but with protection against future suicide attempts or worse. Visitors must pass through metal detectors and be escorted to the observation deck by armed guards. Guided tours began September 16, 1999, the day following the official reopening.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, just two years after reopening, the tower again closed due to national security concerns. Access is now possible only during scheduled tours.
Tower Tours: Tower tours, which last about an hour — 35 minutes on the Observation desk — usually require advance reservations. The cost is $5.00 per person regardless of age. Even infants must have a ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the Texas Union Information Center at Guadalupe and 24th Street or by calling 475-6633 (1-877-475-6633), Mon-Fri, 8-5.
