THE ALTGELD MATH MODELS
Public Lecture by Sheldon Katz
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 4:30 pm
SCGP Lecture Room 102
Reception: Simons Center Lobby, 4:00 pm
In conjunction with the exhibition
The Altgeld Math Models
Simons Center Gallery
Abstract:
The collection of math models at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the largest such collections in the world, with almost 400 pieces. For more than a century, most of the models languished in freestanding display cases scattered around Altgeld Hall, home of the Department of Mathematics. The University of Illinois is embarking on an ambitious historic renovation of Altgeld Hall, a premiere example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation provides an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate the models for the next century. The math models are currently being cleaned and repaired as needed and will be exhibited as a museum-quality display in the Mathematics Library in the renovated Altgeld Hall. The Altgeld Math Models exhibition currently on display at the Simons Center provides the public with a sneak preview of what is to come.
In this talk, Dr. Katz will discuss the history of the models collection, the mathematics involved in some of the pieces, preservation efforts currently underway, and plans for the display of the collection which will be accompanied by a digital component.
Bio:
Sheldon Katz is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also serves as Dean’s Special Advisor with focus on the renovation of Altgeld Hall and the construction of a new six-story 140,000 square foot building for Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science. His research area is algebraic geometry with connections to physics, especially string theory.
