Picture this. You stand before Zumberge Hall of Science a majestic Romanesque Revival building. Its imposing presence speaks of history and scientific discovery.
Zumberge Hall isn’t just a building. It’s a cornerstone of the University of Southern California’s University Park Campus. Completed in 1928 it originally bore the simpler name Science Hall. It later received its current name in 2003 a tribute to former USC president and geology professor James Zumberge.
The building boasts incredible architecture. Designed by the renowned father-and-son team John and Donald Parkinson. These architects are also responsible for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Los Angeles City Hall. Look closely. Notice the exquisite Romanesque detailing. Cast stone pendants hang beneath the roofline. Cast-stone gargoyles guard the building’s corners.
Step inside Zumberge Hall’s arcade. There you’ll find a hidden treasure. A stunning mural depicts four youths engrossed in scientific contemplation. This masterpiece is a Masters in Fine Arts project by Jean Goodwin Ames. Created in 1937 under the direction of Glen Lukens. Ames was a prolific artist known for her many Works Progress Administration (WPA) murals during the Great Depression.
Today Zumberge Hall houses USC’s Department of Earth Sciences. It also serves as the home of the Southern California Earthquake Center. This building is much more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a vibrant hub of scientific research and exploration. It’s a place where the past meets the present. Where the legacy of scientific endeavor continues. A place that silently observes the seismic activity of Southern California.
As you leave Zumberge Hall remember its rich history. Recall its stunning architecture. Remember the stories held within its walls. Stories of scientific breakthroughs. Of artistic talent. Of a legacy that continues to inspire.