Sather Tower, known locally as the Campanile, stands as one of UC Berkeley’s most iconic symbols and a beloved landmark visible across the entire Bay Area. Named after Jane K. Sather, the 307-foot tower is the second-tallest freestanding clock and bell tower in the world, designed by architect John Galen Howard and completed in 1914.

The Tower Experience

Visitors can ride an elevator to the observation platform 200 feet up, then climb an additional 38 stairs to reach the top. The views from here are extraordinary—on clear days you can see across the San Francisco Bay to San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and Mount Tamalpais, while looking back across the Berkeley campus and hills.

The Campanile is home to a 61-bell carillon. Three daily concerts fill the air at 7:50 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., except during UC Berkeley’s exam periods. These melodic performances are free to hear from anywhere on campus, but ascending the tower gives you a unique perspective on this musical tradition.

Hours and Admission

The Campanile is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission costs $6 for adults (ages 18-64), $5 for seniors and youth ages 3–17, and is free for UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff with a Cal 1 Card. Credit cards and Apple Pay only (no cash accepted). The tower closes during the noon carillon concert for its 30-minute duration.

Architecture and History

The tower’s neoclassical design reflects the Beaux-Arts aesthetic that shaped Berkeley’s campus in the early 20th century. Construction took five years and cost $250,000—a substantial sum at the time. The tower is named for Jane K. Sather in honor of her support of the university; her husband Peder Sather was also a major benefactor.

Getting There

The Campanile sits in the heart of campus, easily accessed from Sproul Plaza and most campus attractions. It’s centrally located and walkable from BART’s Downtown Berkeley station in about 15 minutes. There is limited parking on campus near the tower.

Tips for Your Visit

Time your visit to catch a carillon concert, which are especially enjoyable from the observation platform. The 7:50 a.m. and 6 p.m. concerts are less crowded than the noon performance. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the elevator only gets you part of the way up. Clear days offer the best views, though the tower is worth visiting in any weather. Check the website before visiting, as occasional maintenance or events may affect hours.