Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) boasts a sprawling campus with state-of-the-art facilities, historical architecture, and a vibrant student life. This map provides a comprehensive overview of the campus, highlighting key buildings, academic landmarks, and recreational areas.

Central Campus
Academic Quadrangle
- Arts & Sciences Building: Home to the College of Arts & Sciences
- Brookings Hall: Houses the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
- Hillman Hall: Administration building and home to the Office of the Provost
- Ridgley Hall: Faculty offices and classrooms
Danforth University Center (DUC)
- Campus hub with dining, retail, and student services
- Steinberg Auditorium: Multipurpose hall for events and performances
- Bear’s Den: Student hangout with billiards, ping-pong, and live music
Medical School
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital: World-renowned medical center affiliated with WashU
- Goldfarb School of Nursing: Graduate school specializing in nursing
- McDonnell Center for Systems Neuroscience: Research center focused on brain science
South Campus
Tyson Research Center
- Danforth Plant Science Center: Advanced facilities for plant research
- Genome Institute: Center for genomics research
- McDonnell Genome Institute: Leader in genome sequencing and analysis
Athletics Complex
- Francis Olympic Field: Home of the university’s track and field teams
- Field House: Indoor sports and fitness center
- WashU Soccer Complex: Facilities for men’s and women’s soccer programs
West Campus
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
- Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum: Art museum with renowned collections
- Olin Library: Main library for the College of Arts & Sciences
- Sculpture Plaza: Outdoor space featuring contemporary artwork
Residential Areas
**Northside[/b]
- Tower Residence Hall Cluster: Traditional-style dormitories
- Millbrook Residence Hall Cluster: Suite-style dorms with shared kitchens
- Village House: Residential community with apartments and common areas
**South 40[/b]
- Village: University-owned apartments for students, faculty, and staff
- Hilltop Village: Faculty housing development
- McMillen Hall: Residence hall for graduate students
Green Spaces and Recreation
**Forest Park[/b]
- 1,371-acre park adjacent to campus
- Trails, picnic areas, and a golf course
- Zoo, art museum, and history museum
Brookings Quadrangle
- Landscaped courtyard surrounded by academic buildings
- Amphitheater for outdoor events
- Reflecting pool with fountains
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing the DUC with the Quad: The DUC is a student-focused building with dining, services, and entertainment options, while the Quad is a historical academic center.
- Assuming West Campus is entirely remote: While some buildings on West Campus are located across Forest Park, the majority are within walking distance from the main campus.
- Forgetting about the bike paths: WashU has an extensive network of bike paths connecting all parts of campus, making it easy to get around.
- Ignoring the free shuttle: The university offers a free shuttle service between the main campus and the medical school, as well as other areas.
How to Navigate the Campus
- Use a campus map: The university provides a detailed campus map with building locations, landmarks, and transportation options.
- Download the WashU mobile app: The app offers real-time building locations, bus schedules, and event information.
- Ask for directions: University staff and students are generally friendly and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if needed.
- Explore campus on foot: Walking around campus is a great way to get to know the layout and discover hidden gems.
Why the Map Matters
- Helps students navigate the campus efficiently: A comprehensive campus map allows students to plan their routes and find buildings quickly, reducing stress and saving time.
- Facilitates academic exploration: The map highlights academic buildings and research centers, enabling students to explore different fields of study and connect with faculty.
- Promotes campus engagement: The map encourages students to discover recreational areas, student services, and cultural attractions, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Enhances campus safety: By understanding the campus layout, students can avoid potentially dangerous areas and locate safety features such as blue light emergency phones.
Table 1: Campus Buildings by Function
Function | Building |
---|---|
Arts & Humanities | Arts & Sciences Building, Brookings Hall |
Sciences | Danforth Science Hall, McDonnell Center for Systems Neuroscience |
Medical | Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Goldfarb School of Nursing |
Design & Visual Arts | Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Olin Library |
Athletics | Francis Olympic Field, Field House |
Residential | Tower Residence Hall Cluster, Millbrook Residence Hall Cluster |
Recreation | Forest Park, Brookings Quadrangle |
Table 2: Campus Transportation Options
Mode of Transportation | Details |
---|---|
Walking | Extensive sidewalks and pathways |
Biking | Bike paths and bike racks available |
Free shuttle | Connects main campus, medical school, and other areas |
Public transportation | MetroLink station adjacent to campus |
Parking | Paid lots and garages available |
Table 3: Campus Landmarks
Landmark | Description |
---|---|
Lion’s head water fountain | Historic fountain in the Quadrangle |
World’s Fair Pavilion | Replica of a building from the 1904 World’s Fair |
Kemper Art Museum | Art museum with renowned collections |
Wilson Commons | Outdoor plaza with a fountain and seating areas |
The Loop | Winding pedestrian path along the edge of campus |
Table 4: Campus Green Spaces and Recreation
Area | Activities |
---|---|
Forest Park | Hiking, biking, picnics, golf |
Brookings Quadrangle | Relaxation, outdoor events |
Athletic Complex | Sports fields, fitness center |
Wilson Commons | Recreation, concerts |
The Loop | Walking, running |