The limestone used in the construction was sourced from local quarries in south-central Indiana, the world's primary source for Oolitic limestone.
The gates were designed to replace an earlier, more modest entrance, creating a grander sense of arrival for students and visitors.
The phrase 'Old Crescent' refers to the cluster of historic buildings built in the late 19th century that form the original core of the IU campus.
The structure is the most frequently photographed location on the Indiana University campus.
Sample Gates serve as the primary ceremonial entrance to the Indiana University Bloomington campus, connecting the university grounds to the downtown Kirkwood Avenue corridor. Constructed in 1987, the limestone structure was a gift from Edson S. Sample, a former Dean of Students, and his family. The gates consist of two large pillars and decorative wrought-iron fencing that delineate the boundary between the city and the academic precinct. The architecture utilizes Indiana limestone, reflecting the regional geological significance and the campus's longstanding tradition of stone masonry. As a central landmark, the gates act as a symbolic threshold for incoming students and a traditional meeting point for the campus community. The structure is situated at the western terminus of the Old Crescent, the original historic heart of the university.
Standing on the sidewalk of East Kirkwood Avenue facing inward toward the campus green space.
Visit during the early morning to capture the stonework without pedestrian congestion.
Take a short walk past the gates into the Old Crescent to see historic buildings like the Student Building and Bryan Hall.
Combine your visit with a walk down Kirkwood Avenue to experience the local Bloomington restaurant and retail scene.
Attempting to drive a vehicle through the gates, as they are restricted to pedestrian traffic only.
