Philosophical Hall

Philosophical Hall

Henry Latrobe, 1803-1804 (1871)

Philosophical Hall, designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, was constructed in 1804. Originally called the Refectory, the three-story, Stockton sandstone building provided a communal dining area and kitchen for students. The top floor housed classrooms and laboratories for the instruction of chemistry and natural history. Philosophical Hall derives its name from its function at the time: housing Princeton’s “philosophical” apparatus, a term used to describe scientific instruments at the time. While Philosophical Hall was demolished in 1871 for the construction of Chancellor Green Library, its twin, Stanhope Hall, remains across the green.

Dec Barnes '22/Andrew Castleman '22