The portable piece of a beloved university tradition

Since 2022, the campanile-carillon model has been at significant campus events and toured the state. University carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam said the education and outreach tool enhances community engagement in addition to being a musical instrument. The model has traveled to various ISU events like the Order of the Knoll, Cyclone Family Weekend, Homecoming and Admitted Student Day. The model also has left Ames for events in Davenport, Howard County Fair, Traer's sesquicentennial celebration and at the University of Chicago.

The portable campanile-carillon model stands 21.5 feet tall with the tower fully extended, and about 6.5 feet tall when collapsed. The structure's center compartment contains 19 bells, the keyboard and a scissor-lift frame for the campanile facade -- complete with working clocks on all four sides. Two detachable side sections house four bells each. Construction of the model was completed in 2019 and an inaugural concert was held on campus. 

The one-fifth scale replica of the campanile and a 27-bell carillon are accessible, functional and portable. Bells range in size from 15 to 140 pounds. In its entirety, the structure weighs about 3,000 pounds.

When not traveling, the model is in the Sukup Atrium where concerts are held, allowing carillon students to play a variety of classic and contemporary music. The free concerts are open to the public and livestreamed. Those interested in learning more about the model or including it at an event can email campmodel@iastate.edu.