the castle-like Altgeld Hall. It is one of the five castle-themed buildings built according to the suggestion of Governor John Peter Altgeld. The auditorium in Altgeld Hall, which was designed to also function as a ballroom, was restored and can seat up to 500. On the level below the auditorium, the original gym was transformed into a computer classroom. Also on the same level is the NIU Art Museum which occupies two large spaces.
The East Lagoon near Altgeld is a recreation spot on campus. The Holmes Student Center also houses a 78-room hotel.
=== Residence halls ===
NIU's residence halls provide several living options to on-campus students. As of 2024, there are six student dormitories and complexes. Living-learning floors include the Health Professions House; Business Careers House; Teacher Education and Certification House; Honors House; International House; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics House; and Fine Arts House.
Northern View Community, which opened in 2008, offers apartments to undergraduate …
