The beautiful Connecticut College campus offers several "sacred spaces" for spiritual practice and individual reflection that are open to the College community and surrounding communities. (Learn more about reserving Harkness Chapel.)

Harkness Chapel

Harkness Chapel, a gift to Connecticut College from Mary Stillman Harkness (1874-1950), was consecrated January 14, 1940. The non-denominational chapel seats 400 and is used by the College for religious services, musical recitals and special events. In the lower level are offices, meeting rooms and a library.

Harkness Chapel History

Zachs Hillel House

The Zachs Hillel House opened in January 2014 and serves as the home base for the College's Hillel student organization. The building features a kosher kitchen; a great room for studying, lectures and dinners; a library; conference room; and office space. Downstairs, comfy chairs and couches surround televisions, with Ping-Pong tables and games at the ready.

Jewish Community
Students chatting on the steps in front of the pond in the Arboretum.

The Connecticut College Arboretum

The Connecticut College Arboretum is 750 acres of beautiful landscape that actually includes the College's campus. The Arboretum extends across Mohegan Avenue, encompassing the nationally-recognized Caroline Black Garden, as well as Mamacoke Island. On the Williams Street side of campus, you can find the Native Plant Collection, a large outdoor amphitheater, and Buck Lodge, all of which surround the pond. The Arboretum (or "Arbo") is a beautiful place to walk, hike, study, picnic or just get away to clear your mind. The Arbo is open daily until sunset and you can find maps and information in the Arboretum office on the first floor of Olin Science Center.

The Arboretum

September 11th Memorial Garden

Dedicated in 2003, the September 11th Memorial Garden is a quiet place to reflect. The small garden is located between Fanning Hall and Bill Hall.

Ad Astra Garden

The Ad Astra Garden is a beautiful seating area at the top of Tempel Green. "Ad Astra" translates from the Latin as "to the stars." The garden honors the College's most generous donors. Built in 1997, the stone benches surround a sundial designed by sculptor David Smalley, Henry B. Plant Emeritus Professor of Art.

The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse is attached to historic New London Hall. Built in 1935 under a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to Dr. George Avery, professor of botany and the arboretum’s first director, the greenhouse was designed by Lord and Burnham to replace an existing lean-to greenhouse.

About the Greenhouse