Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion

In celebration of their 25th reunion, the Class of 1978 generously stepped forward to lead the fundraising for the renovation of the Penn Libraries Special Collections Center. We are delighted to report that this vision has now become reality, and the Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion occupies the premier space of what promises to be the social and cultural commons for the entire University.

The ground breaking for this $15 million transformative initiative took place in October 2010, and phase one of the three-phase project was completed in October 2011. See the Special Collections Center 6th floor plan, including the Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion.

This glass enclosed central pavilion on the 6th floor offers spectacular views of the center of campus including College Hall and College Green. The space is equipped with state of the art technology to allow for multiple uses, including lectures, seminars, public programs, and board meetings with an adjacent catering kitchen to serve receptions and dinners. The Class of 1978 Pavilion will also display the celebrated David Rittenhouse Orrery, one of the signature treasures of the University.

To see architectural renderings of the project, and the construction photo archive, go to the SCC image gallery.

Phase Two of the project, which began in early 2012, is also complete and includes the balance of the 6th floor (also shown in the floor plan).

In honor of their 30th Reunion, a group study room in the Weigle Information Commons (WIC) was named for the Class of 1978. Their class year has been etched into the front glass wall of room 126, and a plaque recognizing the Class of 1978 is mounted on an interior wall. See more WIC group study rooms.