Memorial Union Terrace
Famous colorful sunburst chairs, Lake Mendota backdrop, sailboats, classic Wisconsin summer feel. Highly Instagrammable.
Crowds
High
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair-accessible. Elevator access inside Memorial Union. Terrace is flat and paved.
Parking
Very limited. Lot 36 and Lot 46 nearby (metered). Street parking on Langdon St. Free after 4:30 PM in some UW lots.
Drones
Prohibited — UW campus property.
Amenities
Restrooms inside Memorial Union. Food and drinks at Der Rathskeller and terrace vendors. Benches and sunburst chairs.
Personal / Portrait
Submit Photo/Video Approval Request at union.wisc.edu — minimum 4 business day turnaround.
Professional / Bridal
Prohibited without UW Special Events permit ($150+, 2-week lead time). Contact: Union South Events (608-890-3000).
Cost
N/A
Admission
Free to visit. Food/drink available for purchase.
Booking
union.wisc.edu Photo/Video Approval Request form.
- •Photographers get burned by this constantly.
- •Every "best Madison photo spots" list includes the Terrace, but none mention the commercial policy.
- •Don't be that photographer.
Best Times (if you CAN shoot here): Late afternoon (4-6pm) for golden light on chairs. Sunset over the lake (west-facing).
- This is the big one.
- Verify policy before any shoot, even personal ones.
Last verified: July 2025
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