Battle Hall, UT’s architecture library, stands as a hidden gem with signature blue doors — a popular backdrop for Instagram and graduation photoshoots. While its exterior draws students with cameras in hand, few have entered the building since interior renovations started in 2021. 

Architecture students will now have some access to the building when it reopens in August 2025, confirmed Katie Pierce Meyer, the head of architectural collections. 

“Battle Hall is a significant building for the University and UT libraries,” Pierce Meyer said. “It is a foundational space, and this has been a great challenge preserving this wonderful building and bringing it back in an even better manner.” 

The building, also known as the “Old Library,” originally opened in 1911 as the University’s first independent library building. Pierce Meyer said University architect Cass Gilbert designed the building to hold books, with bookshelves built right into its foundation. The library’s architecture, she said, set the tone for the rest of the campus. 

Pierce Meyer said the library’s renovations began with two major projects, including a life safety project to install a fire suppression system and a project to address mechanical, electrical and plumbing needs. She said additional electrical work was identified during the initial projects, prompting a more extensive overhaul. Renovators added a building envelope project focused on the exterior renovations. 

Chris Carter, the UT Libraries director of organizational effectiveness, said the building is a historical landmark, and this project connects its past with the future. As a UT alumnus, he said the project is all about connecting generations and taking care of the historic campus. 

“(The most important thing is) the connection,” Carter said. “My son wants to go to school here, and if he studies in that reading room, that thought of the generational connection is what the biggest value of buildings like this has.”

Architecture freshman Gladys Mainoo said many students do not know Battle Hall exists because it has been closed. She said she is excited to use the space as a study spot. 

“There’s a lot of architectural history that needs to be learned about and basically a space for architecture students,” Mainoo said. “Battle Hall (reopening) could be a new opportunity for us to have a different space, and I’m excited.”