MIT Chapel Bell Tower - Cambridge, MA
Posted by: NorStar
N 42° 21.496 W 071° 05.678
19T E 327500 N 4691680
This minimalist design sits on the MIT Chapel by the Kresge Auditorium.
Waymark Code: WM68M5
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 04/23/2009
Views: 8
This bell tower on the MIT Chapel looks more like a hand can opener on top of a tomato soup can.
The bell tower is a series of curved metal supports, with a bell hanging just over the chapel roof.
The tower was designed by Theodore Roszak in 1953-55 and added to the chapel in 1956. A good history of the tower can be found here concerning a former exhibit about the architect's/sculptor's drawings: (
visit link) .
According to information on the MIT Museum web site, the bell was cast in the MIT Metals Processing Lab on campus. It weighs 1300 lbs and has a free swinging clapper.
The chapel is located on MIT's west campus, which is west of Massachusetts Avenue. Parking can be a challenge in this area. Some is located on Vassar Street. It's an easy walk west from Massachusetts Avenue. There is a large grassy area (Kresge Oval) which extends from the chapel to Kresge Auditorium and the Student Union building.
Sources:
(
visit link)
(
visit link)