By Lee Cole–
If you’re wandering around U of L between classes, check out some of these cool places on campus:
1. The George J. Howe Red Barn houses a number of student events throughout the year and is also the location of LGBT Services office on campus. Established in 1969, the Red Barn hosts concerts, cookouts and dances, and can be reserved by students or student organizations. The Office for LGBT Services is located in the Intersection, a space where, according to their website, “LGBT and other students come together to explore social justice issues and work across their differences to support the university’s broadest vision for a diverse, welcoming campus.” The Red Barn is, in many ways, the heart and soul of campus life, always bustling with activity. Whatever part of the year it happens to be, students are sure to find something exciting going on there.
2. The Bingham Poetry room is a well-guarded secret in Ekstrom Library. I wouldn’t have even known of its existence if my search for a volume of poetry hadn’t led me there. It almost seemed like the library worker who told me how to find it did so begrudgingly, and I understand why: it’s an unspoiled, study oasis. Located on the first floor, down a long corridor to the right (if you’re entering from the quad), the Bingham Poetry room is a great place to study, away from the crowds in the rest of the library. You can even read poetry there (imagine that!), as most of the library’s poetry collection is housed there.
3. A haven for anyone seeking bodacious laser light shows with accompaniment from the likes of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, the Rauch Planetarium is something all new students should check out. In addition to laser shows, the planetarium also presents shows relating to astronomy. Tickets are relatively cheap and the shows feature music by older classic rock bands and newer favorites like Radiohead.
4. The Floyd Theater is the place to see cheap movies on the big screen for U of L students. Located on the 3rd floor of the Student Activities Center, the Floyd Theater shows films every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. and tickets are a mere $1.50. With ticket prices for new releases approaching $10, the Floyd Theater is a viable alternative for students who don’t want to break the bank.
5. Although not technically part of the University of Louisville, the city’s foremost art museum is located conveniently on campus – Speed Art Museum. If the beautiful, neoclassical architecture of the exterior isn’t enough to draw you in, then perhaps the treasures of artistic achievement on the inside will. Featuring works of art from Ancient Greece up to modern day, the Speed is sure not to disappoint. In the permanent collection, one can find works as varied as sculptures by Henri Moore, a giant abstract by Frank Stella, stained glass and tapestries from 16th century France and pottery from ancient China. Just a few strides from Ekstrom, the Speed Art Museum is not to be missed.
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Photo: Nathan Gardner/The Louisville Cardinal
