Inside the Cathedral of Learning, you'll discover over 30nationality roomsdevoted to various cultures across the globe. One such example is the Irish Room, which showcases the nation's academic achievements and cultural legacy.
As you step inside theIrish Room, you are taken back in time to a medieval chapel featuring Romanesque design.
Subscribe to Our NewslettersDiscovering the Irish Room: View the video located above
Michael Walter, who oversees education initiatives for the nationality rooms and intercultural exchange program, mentioned that the space is inspired by a monastic campus, where ancient monks would have shared knowledge and learning with one another.
"They might have copied manuscripts and encouraged education, representing a very ancient era in Irish history," Walter stated.
Some pupils might be fortunate enough to have classes held in the room, while guests can arrange a visit to see the many references to Irish culture. Inside, you'll discover Irish wolfhounds depicted on the chairs, three stained-glass windows illustrating saints instructing others, and a replica of the Book of Kells.
Walter mentioned that significant work was done to portray all of Ireland while designing the room.
"Prior to setting the cornerstone of this room into the wall, a jar of soil was positioned behind it. This soil is a mixture from two counties located on either side of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland," he stated.
The space was given to the University of Pittsburgh in 1957.
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Jennie-Lynn Knox serves as the present head of the Irish nationality room. Her father, James W. Knox, was among the original founders.
"Every time I go into the room, I know my dad is there. It provides us with a chance to share our Irish heritage with others and answer their questions," she said.
Jennie-Lynn Knox mentioned that the organization provides scholarships to University of Pittsburgh students who participate in study abroad programs during the summer.
For her, the room serves to preserve Irish culture despite the passage of time.
"These rooms were created because these families had to leave their homes, and this allowed them to stay united, preserve their stories, and share them, and that's the purpose we have, to carry on with that," Knox said.
If you wish to arrange a visit to the Irish room or any of the other national-themed rooms, you are welcome to do so.here.
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READ THE FULL STORY:The Journey to Ireland: The Irish Room at the Cathedral of Learning Honors Academic Excellence and Cultural Legacy