Wellesley College, Galen Tower, Summer 2016

Wellesley College will open up its 32-bell carillon to the community on Wednesday, February 14 at 12:30pm. The carillon is housed in Galen Stone Tower, which rises 182 feet from the ground in Green Hall. The bells were installed in 1931 and the college’s Guild of Carillonneurs ring them throughout the year.

Sometimes it’s what you’d expect, such as Christmas carols at holiday time, but they will stray from the canon, when the mood strikes them and the feelings are strong. In 2016, after the death of Alan “Professor Snape” Rickman, we heard the bells ring to the tune of Hedwig’s theme. It’s no secret that Wellesley College students love their Harry Potter. In fact, a good number of first-years arrive on campus via Platform 9 3/4, we’re told.