Nassau Hall
4.9(107)google
5.0(2)yelp
OutdoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkFreeEducationalHistoric BuildingMilitary
Overview
Nassau Hall, colloquially known as Old Nassau, is the oldest building at Princeton University in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. In 1783 it served as the United States Capitol building for four months. At the time it was built in 1756, Nassau Hall was the largest building in colonial New Jersey and the largest academic building in the American colonies.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeAn extraordinary year-round national historic landmark—constructed in 1756, it once served as the temporary United States Capitol during the Revolutionary War. Targeting a clear morning between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM is essential; the early morning sun strikes the historic hand-cut argillite stone facade and its iconic flanking bronze tiger statues perfectly, highlighting the dense creeping ivy.
Getting TherePositioned directly at the northern gateway of the historic Princeton campus, mere steps inside the FitzRandolph Gate off Nassau St. Drivers can utilize metered street parking spaces directly lining Nassau Street or park inside the nearby Palmer Square commercial garage, making it an easy 2-minute walk south through the monumental iron gates directly to the building.
Travel Tips
- The iconic ground-floor Memorial Atrium is open to the public on select academic weekdays only; upper administrative zones are secured by active electronic access gates and off-limits to non-staff.
- The frontage lawn is a sensitive historical reserve hosting annual commencement milestones; stepping over localized protective rope netting or launching low-flying UAV drones triggers immediate campus citation.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Climbing, straddling, or sitting on the historic bronze Nassau Tiger statues flanking the main entrance steps is strictly barred by university property laws to protect the unstable metallic patina.
Reviews
Positive
- As Princeton's oldest iconic stone hall, it briefly served as the US Capitol, anchoring profound and heavyweight Revolutionary War history.
- The exterior walls are draped in historic ivy ivy vines, flanked by the signature bronze tiger statues, serving as the absolute premier god-tier graduation photo spot.
- Directly facing Nassau Street, the wide green lawn out front is beautifully shaded by historic trees, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the elite academic vibe.
- Zero outdoor entry fees, and well-signposted with detailed descriptions analyzing the real cannon ball scars left on its walls from the 1777 battle.
Heads up
- Since it still houses the primary administrative offices of the university, its interior rooms are strictly locked to casual tourist entry year-round.
- The historic battle scars on the walls are weathered and lack prominent close-up signposts, making them tough for first-timers to spot without a guide.
- Lacks dedicated public lots directly out front within the campus vehicle zone; town garages require a long walk and enforce high fees.
- On autumn weekend afternoons, lines form at the bronze tiger statues, creating a noisy crowd that slightly hurts the historic serenity.