Self-Guided Walking Tour

Since our founding in 1891, this iconic Philadelphia landmark has held a special place in the heart of the Drexel community. Our campus’s original structure, Main Building, once served as home to all Drexel activity, from classrooms and lecture halls to the University library. Today, it remains a central hub for students, faculty, administrators, and visitors alike: inside, you’ll find Drexel Central, the Admissions Visit Center, our historic Main Auditorium, the A.J. Drexel Picture Gallery, the Main 220 Lounge, and supporting administrative offices.

Chestnut Street between 32nd and 33rd streets serves as the bustling center of our University’s Student Life experience, beginning with the Creese Student Center. Inside Creese, you’ll find important locations such as the DragonCard office and the Drexel University Barnes & Noble bookstore, along with a wide variety of student lounges, meeting spaces, and other places for students to gather. Adjacent to Creese and along Chestnut Square, you’ll also find our Handschumacher Dining Center and other popular on-campus food options, Macalister Hall, and the Mandell Theater.

Of course, what our campus is truly known for is our world-class academics, and this green meeting space (often referred to as the Korman Quadrangle, or Korman Quad) is surrounded by some of our most prominent classroom buildings, including Disque Hall, Stratton Hall, the Korman Center, Gerri C. Lebow Hall, and the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building. Much more than a popular thoroughfare, the Quad is a great place to study outside or just enjoy the sun — in warmer months, professors will even sometimes bring their classes outside to take advantage of the fresh air. This is also a great spot to sit and eat a quick bite from one of the many surrounding food trucks, which can range from standard street fare to delectable gourmet treats.

Drexel has a vibrant and active residential community, composed of 9 residence halls and 34 Greek Life organizations — all within a few-block radius. Race Street Walk serves as a popular meeting spot for our residential students, providing the opportunity to gather for social activities, such as community cookouts and the annual Homecoming Bonfire, and community events, including our fall and spring Involvement Fairs. You can also check out the nearby Library Learning Terrace, which is a great study spot with a projector, whiteboards, and a private hub station for tutoring or coaching sessions.

No matter what the game of choice may be, our Dragons are fierce! We compete on 18 Division I men's and women's sports teams, and also offer 33 club, 17 intramural league, and 30+ tournament sports. Although the Daskalakis Athletic Center (also known as the DAC) and our award-winning Recreation Center are generally thought of as the hub of our recreational facilities, our campus has a wide variety of indoor and outdoor fields and courts, including the Vidas Athletic Complex at 43rd Street and Powelton Avenue.

No Drexel tour would be complete without a stop at the iconic Mario statue! For over 90 years, the Drexel Dragon has served as our beloved mascot, symbolizing the strength, determination, and pride exhibited by our students. The Dragon Statue, officially known as Mario the Magnificent, makes for a fantastic photo opportunity and is a great location for student organization and campus-hosted events. Looking north just across the street from Mario, you’ll see Nesbitt Hall; looking east, you’ll find the W.W. Hagerty Library — both great places to study!