Cornell University The Cornell Chimes

What's New in the Tower

June/July — Happy Summer! Whether you are a visitor to Cornell, or a local looking for a summer excursion, visitors are always welcome at our concerts. You'll enjoy a magnificent musical performance and a scenic view of the lush summer foliage. With many student chimesmasters away for the summer, we play a reduced, but regular schedule. Please check the concert schedule (at left) for the latest concert listings.

Concerts

The Cornell Chimes are the university's oldest musical tradition, and one of the most frequently played set of bells on any American college campus. Housed in historic McGraw Tower, the 21-bells are played primarily by student chimesmasters.

All concerts are open to the public—you simply have to climb the tower's 161 steps. The door to the tower opens five to ten minutes before a scheduled concert and closes before concert's end. Your stair-climbing efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Cornell and the surrounding community, and a musical performance like you've never seen before.

The Cornell Chimesmasters perform a regular program of three concerts daily while classes are in session and a modified schedule during exams and breaks. Please check the concert schedule for complete concert and special event information.