Payne Whitney Gymnasium, New Haven

The Payne Whitney Gymnasium, Yale University's iconic athletic complex in New Haven, stands as a monument to both physical training and architectural ambition. Donated by John Hay Whitney (Class of 1926) in honor of his father Payne Whitney, this Gothic Revival masterpiece is often referred to as "the cathedral of sweat"-a nickname that hints at both its grandeur and purpose.

Designed by John Russell Pope (who was awarded a Silver Medal at the 1932 Olympic Art Competition for his work), the gym spans twelve acres of interior space and is the second-largest gym in the world by cubic feet. The most striking feature is its nine-story tower, housing everything from a third-floor swimming pool and fencing salon to a polo practice room.

The facility serves numerous Yale varsity teams, including basketball, fencing, gymnastics, squash, swimming, and volleyball. Basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics events take place in the John J. Lee Amphitheater, named for a former star athlete and generous benefactor. Swimming competitions are held in the Robert J. H. Kiphuth Exhibition Pool, honoring the legendary coach and athletic director.

For rowing teams, three crew tanks stretch along the rear of the building, with a massive suspended Practice Pool (5 lanes, 50 meters) above them-one of the largest of its kind in the world. Recreational basketball courts perch above the pool. Other facilities include the Adrian "Ace" Israel Fitness Center, the Brady Squash Center-home to the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame-and even a rooftop outdoor running track.

The gym’s tower holds the Kiphuth Trophy Room, featuring memorabilia from Yale’s storied athletic history, as well as multi-purpose spaces, the fencing area, and a gymnastics studio. The Lanman Center, located behind the Amphitheater, offers a sprawling flexible-use floor area with a balcony running track.

Greeting visitors near the entrance is a unique piece of Yale lore: the stuffed original Handsome Dan, the country’s first college mascot. It’s one more quirky detail in a space that fuses history, muscle, and a dash of ivy-covered prestige.