The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon, dating from the early 1930s, was the masterwork of the Gillett & Johnston bell foundry of Croydon, England. Carillons of this size had never before been made, and have not been made again since that time. The Chicago instrument, comprising 72 bells and 100 tons of bronze, is the 3rd heaviest carillon in the world. Its bells were cast over a three-year period and include a massive 18.5 ton bourdon sounding a low C#. The carillon was installed during the summer of 1932, and was dedicated during Thanksgiving week of that year.
University Carillonist Alex Johnson and members of the UChicago Guild of Carillonists perform recitals twice daily each weekday of the academic year at 12 and 5 PM, and on Sunday mornings after 11 AM services. Please check the Carillon Tower Tour Schedule for information about Carillon Tower Tours which are generally offered Tuesdays-Fridays at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM during weeks 2-8 of the UChicago academic quarters.