Université Notre Dame du Lac à la Carte 1938 - Ed Hickey Campus Map

Experience the University of Notre Dame in 1938 through the eyes of Ed Hickey, an architecture student and artist who created this charming illustrated campus map. Titled Université Notre Dame du Lac à la Carte, this isn't a strict survey—it's a loving portrait of campus life blending precision with humor and warmth.

The two iconic lakes, St. Mary's and St. Joseph's, anchor the composition with the Golden Dome rising majestically at the heart of campus. Surrounding it are beloved landmarks rendered in careful detail: Sacred Heart Church, Sorin Hall, the Main Building, and more. But what makes this map special are the countless small scenes that bring the campus to life—students skating on frozen lakes, playing football on the quad, rushing between classes, priests walking under tall trees, and groups gathering on benches. At the bottom corner, the football stadium roars with excitement, capturing Notre Dame's legendary athletic spirit.

By the late 1930s, Notre Dame had established itself as one of America's most respected Catholic universities, its reputation bolstered by both rigorous scholarship and national football success. Hickey's map reflects that pride, with the French title adding a touch of continental elegance while honoring the university's heritage. Drawn just before World War II, this map preserves a moment of peace before many students and alumni would be called to serve overseas—a snapshot of tradition and tranquility before an uncertain future.

Each reproduction includes a custom historical letter detailing the story behind the map, making it perfect for Notre Dame alumni, Indiana collectors, university history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the artistry of illustrated campus maps. Printed on heavyweight archival paper or hand-stretched polycotton canvas, every building, tree, and tiny figure is restored in museum-grade clarity for generations of enjoyment.

Paper prints ship rolled in heavy-duty tubes, while canvas editions arrive gallery-wrapped on solid pine stretcher bars with pre-installed hardware—ready to display the moment it arrives. Bring home a piece of Notre Dame history and celebrate the spirit of a beloved campus.

This illustrated map titled Université Notre Dame du Lac à la Carte was created in 1938 by Ed Hickey, an architecture student and artist at the University of Notre Dame. It captures the spirit of the campus during the late 1930s with humor, warmth, and precision. The two lakes, St. Mary's and St. Joseph's, anchor the scene with the Golden Dome at the university's heart. Surrounding it are iconic landmarks such as Sacred Heart Church, Sorin Hall, and the Main Building. Across the map, tiny scenes bring campus to life—students skating on frozen lakes, playing football, rushing between classrooms, priests walking under trees, and the football stadium roaring with excitement. By the late 1930s, Notre Dame had grown into one of the nation's most respected Catholic universities, its reputation for scholarship and athletics spread across America. The French title reflects that pride and heritage. Drawn just before World War II, this map preserves a moment of calm before many students would be called to serve overseas, capturing the university at peace, rooted in tradition, yet preparing for an uncertain future.

Our maps are printed on premium archival paper using museum-quality inks that resist fading for over 100 years. Each piece is carefully inspected and ships ready to frame. For canvas prints, we use professional-grade canvas with a protective coating that ensures your map will remain vibrant for decades to come.