Kogan Plaza is the heart and geographic center of GW's campus. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy it as a popular outdoor space for student organization activities, university-sponsored events, and a variety of student life gatherings.
On a regular day, students advertise their clubs or study in the seating options around the plaza. Surrounding Kogan Plaza are many staples such as Madison Hall, Gelman Library, Lisner Auditorium, and District House. Lisner is the second biggest auditorium in the city, second only to the Kennedy Center!
Kogan Plaza
Media Gallery
Kogan Plaza
⭐ Nelson Mandela Historic Sidewalk Slab
From 1984 to 1986, hundreds of Americans—including GW students—held political demonstrations at the South African Embassy in Northwest Washington, D.C., urging Congress to pass a sanctions bill that would cease trade relations with the country until Mr. Mandela was released.
When walking through Kogan Plaza, you may notice a cement plaque among the planted greenery and brick paths. In 1985, the alleyway that runs through Kogan Plaza was laid with a new layer of fresh cement. While it was drying, GW students etched “Free Mandela” into the slab. When Kogan Plaza was reorganized 10 years ago, the slab was preserved. Officially known as the Nelson Mandela Historic Sidewalk Slab, the block of cement is a tribute to our students’ passion for justice.
When walking through Kogan Plaza, you may notice a cement plaque among the planted greenery and brick paths. In 1985, the alleyway that runs through Kogan Plaza was laid with a new layer of fresh cement. While it was drying, GW students etched “Free Mandela” into the slab. When Kogan Plaza was reorganized 10 years ago, the slab was preserved. Officially known as the Nelson Mandela Historic Sidewalk Slab, the block of cement is a tribute to our students’ passion for justice.
