The campus of the University of Notre Dame never ceases to amaze me, despite the fact that I have been there a number of times.
If you come in from the main door, which is located at the intersection of Angela Boulevard and Notre Dame Avenue, you will have to go past a cemetery before you reach the bookstore, where there is public parking. The following is a list of the things that you need to do next. Walking about the campus is a great way to get to know the area, but on our most recent trip, we decided to bring our bikes along so that we could see more of the surrounding area in a shorter amount of time.
In the event that you require a spot to remain close to the school, the following are some fantastic hotels.
THE ART MUSEUM IN THE NIGHT
You will not want to pass up the opportunity to visit this amazing museum. Free entry is offered to what is widely considered to be one of the best art museums in the United States. You will be in close proximity to the famous Notre Dame Stadium, popularly referred to as The House That Rockne Built. The stadium has been around for more than 90 years and has seating for around 80,000 people.
The collection offers a breathtaking vista of the development of art all over the world thanks to its approximately 30,000 pieces, which come from a wide variety of nations and span several centuries. The beginning of the collection can be traced back to 1875 and is displayed over all three levels of the museum. The amazing riches include things like a collection of etchings by Rembrandt, photography from the nineteenth century, and artwork created by Native Americans.
In the Mesoamerican Art show that is located on the first level of the museum, there is a figurine that dates back to 1500 BCE. A piece depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe that dates back to 1729 can be seen in the collection of Spanish Colonial Art. Glasswork of a complex nature can be found at the Ashbaugh Decorative Arts Gallery.
When it reopened in 2017, the Fritz and Milly Kaeser Mestrovic Studio Gallery of African Art displayed some works that had never been exhibited to the general public previously. My favorite pieces were “An Allegory of a Spanish Victory” by Italian artist Corrado Giaquinto from 1759 and “An Acadian Landscape” by Dutch artist Jan van Huysum from 1730. I also had a great time looking at the other works of art from Europe.
The artwork from the Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance periods can be found on the lower level, while artwork from European artists working in the 19th century and American art can be seen on the upper level. My attention was drawn to an enormous “Absolution Under Fire” oil canvas by the American artist Paul Henry Wood, which measured 102 inches in length and 72 inches in width and was painted in the year 1891. It depicts a momentous historical event that took place during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1963, when Reverend William J. Corby delivered a speech to the soldiers serving in the Irish Brigade.
On campus, at the crossroads of Eddy Street and Angela Boulevard, you’ll find the Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park.
Ten galleries of the permanent collection are open throughout the year at the Snite Museum of Art, in addition to the five galleries that host rotating shows. The museum has recently reopened, and its new hours of operation are as follows: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. There is no charge to enter this venue.
THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY HEART, THE BASILICA
This house of worship, which was opened in 1888, is beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside. You will be able to view the mass schedule on the website, in addition to links that will allow you to watch a live stream of the mass. The Main Administration Building also referred to as The Golden Dome, may be found right next to the Basilica in its current location.
ECK VISITOR CENTER
Here you may acquire a map of the campus, have any questions you have answered, and even book a tour if you require the assistance of a guide.
THE GOLDEN DOME
1879 was the year that saw the completion of this principal administration building, which was also the third administration building. After the previous structure was razed to the ground by the fire, this one was hastily put up in its place. The dome is topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. In addition, go inside and look up at the painted interior of the dome, in addition to the portraits, tapestries, busts, and other works of art that are located inside.
JESUS SCORES A TOUCHDOWN
Visit the Hesburgh Library to have a look at “The World of Life,” a stone mosaic that covers the whole 14-story southern facade of the building. Because the painting depicts Jesus with his arms outstretched in a style that is similar to that of a football referee, it has been dubbed “Touchdown Jesus.” It was constructed in 1964 and has a height of 134 feet as well as a width of 68 feet.
If you find that you are getting hungry, you can go to The Huddle, which is located close to the Golden Dome and is adjacent to Washington Hall. There, you will find a small food court. You should finish up in the Bookstore, where you will be able to purchase various Fighting Irish-themed items.
