Vanderbilt University Campus Tour
Architecture, history & things to do near Vanderbilt University (Vanderbilt)
Why Walk Vanderbilt University Campus
Vanderbilt's 330-acre campus is a designated national arboretum with over 300 species of trees and shrubs, making it one of the most beautifully landscaped campuses in America. Kirkland Hall, the oldest building (1875), is a Victorian Gothic structure with a clock tower that anchors the eastern end of campus. Alumni Lawn stretches westward from Kirkland, lined with classrooms and residence halls. The Peabody College campus, historically a separate teachers' college absorbed in 1979, is connected by a pedestrian bridge and features the Social Religious Building and the Wyatt Center. The Blair School of Music, designed by Derthick & Henley, is among the top music programs. Stevenson Center houses the science departments.
About Vanderbilt University
Founded
1873, endowed with a $1 million gift from shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Type
Private research university; originally Methodist-affiliated, it formally separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1914.
Setting
Urban campus on roughly 330 acres in the West End/Midtown area of Nashville, Tennessee, about 1.5 miles southwest of downtown. The campus is a designated national arboretum.
Enrollment
About 13,800 students total, split roughly 7,100 undergraduates and 6,700 graduate and professional students.
Mascot
Mr. Commodore (nicknamed "Mr. C"), a naval commodore figure; athletic teams are the Commodores, referencing Cornelius Vanderbilt's nickname "The Commodore."
Free Vanderbilt University Campus Tour with Roamee Pro
Roamee Pro offers a free Vanderbilt University campus tour with audio narration. Explore Kirkland Hall, Alumni Lawn, Peabody Campus, plus hidden spots like The Vanderbilt Arboretum and The Fine Arts Gallery, at your own pace without booking a group tour.
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Must-See Spots at Vanderbilt University
- •Kirkland Hall — the 1875 Victorian Gothic centerpiece with a clock tower, housing the chancellor's office
- •Alumni Lawn — the long central green stretching from Kirkland Hall westward, lined with academic buildings and massive trees
- •Peabody Campus — the historic Peabody College campus with the Wyatt Center and Social Religious Building, home to one of the top education schools
- •Stevenson Center — the science complex housing physics, math, and astronomy, with a rooftop observatory
Signature Architecture
- •Kirkland Hall — Central administration building topped by a clock tower; the original 1875 Main Building burned in 1905 and was rebuilt the following year.
- •Sarratt Student Center & Rand Hall — Main hub for dining and student activities, housing Rand Dining Center and the Sarratt Cinema.
- •Central Library (Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries) — Flagship library completed in 1941, anchoring the main academic quad.
- •Featheringill Hall — Part of the engineering complex on the campus's southern edge, home to the School of Engineering.
Hidden Corners of Vanderbilt University
- •The Vanderbilt Arboretum — the entire campus is a curated arboretum with over 6,000 labeled specimens of 300+ tree species
- •The Fine Arts Gallery — a teaching gallery in Cohen Memorial Hall with rotating exhibitions of student and professional work
Notable Alumni
- •Al Gore, 45th U.S. Vice President (attended the Divinity and Law schools)
- •James Patterson, bestselling novelist (MA in English)
- •Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and microfinance pioneer (PhD in economics)
- •Dinah Shore, singer and television host
- •Skip Bayless, sports commentator
- •Amy Grant, Grammy-winning singer (attended)
- •David Price, MLB pitcher and Cy Young Award winner
Campus Traditions
- •Rites of Spring, an outdoor music festival held each spring on Alumni Lawn
- •Anchor Down, the rallying cry tied to the nautical Commodore identity
- •Founder's Walk, when first-year students process through campus at the start of the year
- •The Commodore Cup, a year-long spirit and athletic competition among student organizations
- •Homecoming and Reunion weekend each fall for alumni
Where to Eat Near Campus
- •Hattie B's Hot Chicken, a Nashville hot-chicken landmark popular with students
- •Elliston Place Soda Shop, a classic diner near campus open since 1939
- •Cabana in Hillsboro Village, a sit-down spot a few blocks from campus
- •Fido coffeehouse in Hillsboro Village
- •Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village, known for long weekend-morning lines
Did you know? The entire campus is a registered arboretum, with a marked tree trail winding through thousands of trees representing more than 190 species, several of which predate the university's 1873 founding.
Visiting Vanderbilt University
Prospective students can register for guided campus tours and admissions information sessions through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (vanderbilt.edu/admissions), which typically depart from the admissions welcome center on weekdays and some Saturdays. Self-guided walking is also possible since the campus is open to the public. Visitor parking is limited; use a paid visitor garage and avoid permit-only spaces. The campus is walkable from West End Avenue and reachable from downtown Nashville in about 10 minutes by car.
Walking Tip
The campus is flat and walkable. Enter from West End Avenue at the Kirkland Hall gate for the classic view. Walk Alumni Lawn end to end, then cross to the Peabody campus. The arboretum map is available at the admissions office.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-April) for magnolias and dogwoods in bloom across the arboretum. Fall for foliage. Nashville's music scene complements any campus visit year-round.
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