Standing 307 feet tall, the University of Texas Tower (UT Tower) is the most recognizable landmark on the UT Austin campus, offering panoramic views of the city and a history as complex as the university itself. Completed in 1937, this 27-story structure was designed as the university’s central library, later evolving into the heart of campus life.

The tower is best known for its glowing orange lighting, which illuminates the Austin skyline to celebrate Longhorn victories and academic achievements. The observation deck, accessible by guided tour, provides one of the best vantage points in the city, with breathtaking views stretching across the Texas Hill Country.

While the tower is a symbol of pride and tradition, it also holds a somber chapter in history—the 1966 tower shooting, one of the first mass shootings in modern U.S. history. Today, a memorial at the base honors the victims, ensuring that this moment is remembered alongside the tower’s legacy of academic excellence.

Whether visiting for the history, the architecture, or the unbeatable views, the UT Tower remains a defining symbol of Austin, standing tall over the university and city it represents.