Student taking a picture of cherry blossoms

At 176 acres, CatholicU is the largest campus in Washington, D.C. Nestled in the Brookland neighborhood of the city, the campus is minutes from downtown D.C., but also provides a quiet refuge in a bustling city. Throughout our campus, you’ll find beautiful, Instagram-worthy spots for a photo. Or a spot for a picnic with friends. Or perhaps just quiet reflection. Here, we outline the 10 best spots on campus to find inspiration for your Instagram while also learning about some of what the University has to offer.

Note: Some of the photos in this story were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Mary, Seat of Wisdom Statue

Mary, Seat of Wisdom statue with blooming cherry blossoms behind it.

The Mary, Seat of Wisdom statue sits in a circle outside Caldwell Hall, the oldest building on campus and home to the School of Theology and Religious Studies and the Office of Campus Ministry. Students can often be found sitting on a bench across from Mary, praying, taking a moment for reflection, or quietly studying. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom behind the statue, adding an extra layer of beauty to this spot. 

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2. Trees Outside the Pryz in Fall

A tree with red leaves in the fall

In the fall, trees bloom in brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow outside the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center (known as the Pryz). Students pass under these trees often as they traverse the walkway on their way to grab a meal in the Pryz. The nearby Pryz lawn is a popular spot for students to lounge and picnic in warmer weather.

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3. University Entrance Walkway

Students walking on brick path at sunset

The University recently redesigned the entrance to the campus from the Brookland-CUA Metro station. What was a steep drive is now a gently sloped brick walkway that features attractive landscaping. Students traverse this walkway often on their way to the Metro, which takes them to museums, restaurants, shops, sporting events, and internships in mere minutes.

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4. Caldwell Chapel

The inside of a small chapel

Caldwell Chapel (dedicated in 1888 as St. Paul's Chapel) is the original chapel of Catholic University. The chapel is central to the spiritual life at Catholic University and daily Mass is held here at 5:10 p.m. Generations of students have explored and deepened their faith here. The stained glass windows — consisting of five group windows in the sanctuary and twelve full length, single figure windows along either side of the nave — were recently renovated. More renovations and improvements are planned for the future.  

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5. Carlini Field

Women's lacrosse game

Our Cardinals teams compete in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Carlini Field, which was opened in 2019, is home to the University’s soccer and lacrosse teams, which all have won conference Landmark Conference titles in the past decade. The women’s lacrosse team won six consecutive conference titles between 2014 and 2019. The field is part of a larger athletic complex that includes Carlini Stadium, Raymond A. DuFour Center, Robert J. Talbot Field, Softball Field, and Marty and Jone Dowd Family Tennis Courts.

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6. Pryzbyla Plaza

Student sitting on a bench sketching

Named for Edward J. Pryzbyla, a University alumn and generous donor, Pryzbyla Plaza is a popular spot to be on nice days. It’s not unusual to spot a class being held in this spot. Students use the benches to study while soaking up some sunshine and the views of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception across the way. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom overhead and the area is landscaped with beautiful flowers.

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7. Gibbons Hall

Lobby of residence hall

Gibbons Hall often draws comparisons to Hogwarts. Built in 1911, the building is named for the University's first chancellor, Cardinal James Gibbons. The building was renovated in 2009 and is home to approximately 139 sophomore, junior, and senior students. Popular among students, some of the rooms look out over the University Mall and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

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8. Salve Regina Gallery

Students checking out art exhibit

The Salve Regina Gallery in Slave Regina Hall exhibits nationally recognized artists and student work in multiple public exhibitions every year in over 240 square feet of gallery space. Our art history students also get the chance to curate exhibits in the gallery.

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9. University Mall

Students playing volleyball on University Mall

The University Mall is nestled between the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, McMahon Hall, Gibbons Hall, and Pryzbyla Plaza. On nice days, students can be seen picnicking with friends on blankets, tossing a Frisbee, playing sports, or studying on a nearby bench. In winter, snowmen and snow forts often pop up on the Mall on snowy days.

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10. John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library

Clouds reflected in windows of Mullen Library building

Named for benefactor John Kernan Mullen, the library was opened in 1928. Today the library system houses more than 1.3 million books and print volumes and provides access to tens of thousands of electronic journals and books. The library features quiet study space and librarians who are ready to assist with any student research questions.  

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