In the Beginning
The Texas Union opened its doors in 1933, the fiftieth anniversary year of The University of Texas at Austin. A massive fund-raising campaign conducted by the Ex-Students' Association had provided the impetus as well as half the funds for construction of the building. The goal was to provide cocurricular activity space for the university's students.
The Union was envisioned as the nerve center for the campus: a place where members of the university community could gather for discussion; association with other students and faculty; relaxation; and quiet contemplation. Lounges, meeting rooms, student organizational offices and a large ballroom were central spaces in the original building. The dining services and other second level spaces were not considered part of the Union at that time.
Cars on Guadalupe with the
Texas Union in the background