CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The iconic Altgeld bells on the University of Illinois campus have been silent for nearly three weeks, a result of the ongoing renovation of Altgeld Hall that began in the spring of 2023.
This is the first time since the bells were installed in 1920 that they have been removed, marking a significant moment in the history of the bell tower. The 15 bells, which collectively weigh seven-and-a-half tons, have been a staple of the U of I campus for over a century. The largest of the bells weighs around 3,000 pounds.
While the bells are being kept in a storage facility during the construction, no restoration work is planned. Their greenish-gray appearance is a result of natural aging, which will remain unchanged.
The bells are expected to return once the renovation is complete, although the process of reinstalling them will take longer than the removal.