You’ll notice it first for its striking silhouette—167 feet of brick and melody rising from North Campus. The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Tower, also known as the Lurie Carillon, was completed in late 1995 and officially dedicated in October 1996 as a tribute from Ann Lurie to her late husband, Robert H. Lurie. Designed by architect Charles Moore with contributions from Arthur Anderson, the tower serves as both an architectural landmark and a living musical instrument. It’s home to one of only 23 grand carillons in the world, the very heart of a campus where sound and space converge.
Key Highlights
The Lurie Tower houses 60 bronze bells cast by the Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry in the Netherlands. The ratio used—80 percent copper to 20 percent tin—ensures harmoniously tuned tones, and the largest bell (known as the bourdon) alone weighs in at around six tons. This ensemble forms one of two grand carillons maintained by the University of Michigan, making it a rare and resonant treasure.
Every weekday during the academic year, you can attend a 30-minute carillon recital, commonly held at 1:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to ride the elevator to level 2 to stand among the largest bells or climb to level 3 to watch the carillonist in action. For those eager for a closer look, a spiral staircase links the levels, offering a hands-on encounter with the instrument’s mechanics.
The tower also resonates beyond recitals. It rings during campus celebrations and concerts, punctuating the North Campus atmosphere with melodies that drift across lawns and pathways. Crafted with both precision and personality, the Lurie Carillon is as much a communal auditory sculpture as it is an architectural landmark.
Atmosphere & Physical Feel
Approaching the Lurie Tower, you feel both grounded and uplifted—the sturdy brick shaft rising gracefully, its windows and bell openings catching sunlight. Surrounding “The Grove” campus area frames the tower with green expanses and campus life, making it feel both monumental and intimately part of daily rhythm.
Inside during a recital, the air vibrates with harmonics. Whether you’re on the lower level or watching from above, the acoustic experience emphasizes connection: between visitor and instrument, between campus past and present. No matter the season, the tower remains a visual anchor balancing tradition with an ongoing soundtrack of campus life.
Other Considerations
So how’s the price?
There’s no admission fee. Access to recitals and public viewing levels is free, making it an accessible piece of culture in Ann Arbor.
Will visitors of all types enjoy it?
Absolutely. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the design, music lovers will be drawn to the carillon recitals, and casual visitors will simply enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the setting. The only thing to note: the spiral stairs between levels may be a challenge for those with mobility concerns, but level 2 still offers an impressive experience.
Best times to visit?
Weekdays during classes are ideal—when recitals are happening and the tower is active with sound and movement. Late spring to fall brings foliage and open air, enhancing the visual and auditory experience. Even in winter, the contrast of tone amid stark branches can be quietingly powerful.
Is it well maintained and safe?
Yes. The structure is solid, and equipment like the elevator and stairs are functional. Recital schedules are generally reliable unless a holiday or study day intervenes.
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Tower
📍 1230 Murfin Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Website: https://smtd.umich.edu/facilities/ann-and-robert-h-lurie-carillon/
