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Jan. 14, 2022

Vertical Construction on the Ars Sonora Begins

Vertical construction of The University of Tampa’s Ars Sonora® musical bell sculpture has begun, with the erection of the structure’s base columns. 
Aerial view of the Ars Sonora on Jan. 14, 2022.

Construction will be continuing this spring, with erection of the Ars Sonora structure to be completed in early February.

The Ars Sonora will be the most technologically advanced bell tower of its kind in the world, because its bells can be played in real time by a musician using an electronic piano keyboard. The structure, funded generously by Susan and John Sykes, will be part of the new Sykes Plaza next to the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values.

Construction will be continuing this spring, with erection of the Ars Sonora structure to be completed in early February. The bells are expected to be playing on campus by this fall. A fountain is also being built around the base of the Ars Sonora. 


Installation of the Ars Sonora on Jan. 14, 2022.

(Top right, from left) John and Susan Sykes, and Renee and UT President Ronald Vaughn watched as crews installed the structure’s base columns on Thursday. This grand musical sculpture will soar over 105 feet in the center of campus next to the Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values and is made possible by the generosity of the Sykes.

To the immediate northwest and southwest of the Ars Sonora and Sykes Plaza, the Technology Building and phase II of the Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center, respectively, continue being built. 
View a webcam of the Ars Sonora and Sykes Plaza construction.