If the essence of MIT were distilled down to a single image, it would be this: the iconic Great Dome rising above Building 10 and the Barker Engineering Library. Traditionally, the Dome has served as an image of architectural splendor, a site for cheeky student pranks, and a symbol of home for the Institute’s community.

Originally constructed in 1916, the Dome gradually lost its watertight seal and began leaking rainwater into the Barker Library stacks below. Its copper flashing had deteriorated and needed to be replaced with new material that would integrate well with the old structure. In addition, the renovation had to proceed on a tight schedule and had to accommodate ongoing activities in the library below.

A team of restoration specialists worked to carefully restore the Dome’s poured-concrete curvature and steps, using 300 new limestone blocks quarried from the source that had originally supplied the stone in 1916. A newly applied waterproofing membrane provides excellent protection while preserving the Dome’s original appearance.

Today, thanks to a project that combined sensitivity to historic architecture with contemporary restoration techniques, the Great Dome continues its legacy as a proud symbol of MIT and a beacon for its community.

Read about work to restore the Great Dome skylight and reopen it for the first time since World War II.