Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1851, Northwestern is the oldest chartered university in Illinois and is ranked among the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.

Northwestern University's Evanston campus includes undergraduate, graduate and business schools and runs north and south along Lake Michigan. To the north of the campus are the Student Union Building, the Henry Crow Gymnasium and other athletic facilities, the Institute of Technology, the Observatory and other science-related buildings, including the Ford Motor Company Design Center. In the south are the Humanities Building, Music Building, Arts Building, and Girls' Union Building. This distinction, coupled with the proximity of the south to downtown Evanston, allows for two distinct cultures on the north and south sides of the campus. The University expanded its campus in the 1960s by filling Lake Michigan. This newly added 84 hectares today houses a library, a concert hall and other facilities.