One of the more well-known unique aspects of the Bloomington campus is the extensive use of limestone in the construction of the buildings. Built in 1890, Maxwell Hall was the very first building on campus to be constructed completely of limestone¹, but that is not the building’s only interesting feature. Like a tiny medieval castle situated in the heart of the campus, Maxwell Hall is guarded by a variety of fearsome creatures. Upon entering the building, one might notice the curled serpent stationed just beside the door….

The hall is also well-defended from above: several grotesques in the style of bats peer down from the roof, proudly clutching IU shields in their claws.