Founded in November 1861, just 10 years after the
creation of Washington Territory, the prestigious UW now occupies 693
hilly acres that were originally cleared for the festival grounds of
Seattle’s Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. Supporting a
40,000-member student body that’s as eclectic as the architectural mix
on campus, the institution has garnered a reputation internationally for
its undergraduate and postgraduate curriculums in biomedical research,
ethnomusicology, computer science, and literature. Wide open quads,
cherry blossoms in spring, and landscaping provides a relaxing
counterpoint to the constant buzz of advanced learning.
UW
Henry Art Gallery
Meany Theater
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4001 University Way NE
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206 543 4880
Burke Museum
University Book Store
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The main commercial
artery serving the U District is University Way NE, called “The Ave”,
which is all about youth culture. It’s lined with coffee shops, music
stores, clothiers, as well as bookstores that have lasted generations,
and restaurants serving reasonably priced food from every culture
imaginable. In 2003, in a grand effort to beautify the street, the city
widened side-walks, and enhanced law enforcement, adding some sparkle to
what had been suffering neglect for years.
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University of Washington
University campus
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There’s no shortage of eateries on “The Ave”. For pub grub and the best micro-brew in the U District, try (206 545 4509).
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Nothing beats a meal and
drinks at (206 545 8570). Rent kayaks bound for Lakes Washington and
Union, via the Ship Canal. Get there early for lunch or dinner to avoid
the lines.
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A walk around the University campus especially during spring is definitely a worthwhile experience.
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Top 10 Sights
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The Hub
The
main student union building is known as “The Hub” due to its central
position on campus. It’s information central, as well as a venue for
visiting performers.
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Red Square
Named
for the inlaid brick pavers underfoot, the huge Square lies between
Meany Theater, Kane Hall, and the Suzzallo Library. It’s also known for
hosting impromptu midnight concerts by musicians seeking free
expression.
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Henry Art Gallery
Founded in 1927, this was the first public art gallery in Washington, which quadrupled its size in 1997 to make room for
larger, adventurous, modern exhibits and collections and to enhance
collaborative educational programs. It also has a bookstore and a café.
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Husky Stadium
At the base of Capitol Hill’s northeastern tip, the up-market community of Montlake abuts the Arboretum and the Ship Canal
. Just across the Canal, the university’s huge Husky Stadium, the home of the top-rated UW Huskies, dominates the view.
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Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science
In
2003, the University’s computer sciences department moved into a $72
million facility named after one of the two founders of Microsoft.
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Meany Theater
The
shining glory of professional performance arts on campus, the theater
hosts performers of all disciplines from all over the globe. It also
supports the school’s drama, music, dance, and experimental digital
media curriculums.
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Suzzallo Library
Once
known as “the soul of the University,” the library is the crowning
glory of the Neo-Gothic style on campus. The astounding vaulted ceiling
rises 65-ft (20-m) above the second floor reading room. It also offers
classes on research and technology skills.
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Burke Museum
The
state’s official museum for natural and cultural history is a jewel of
the campus. Its collection includes a number of Pacific Rim and Pacific
Northwest coastal Native American art. The museum also organizes
specialized tours and a summer discovery camp for children.
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Medicinal Herb Garden
Escape
for a captivating spell on 2 acres of land where several hundred
species flourish and herbal scents abound. It also features a Drug Plant
Garden planted in 1911.
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University Book Store
The
main branch of the bookstore rivals the best in independent and larger
chain book vendors for sheer selection and informed staff.