Tweed Courthouse - New York City, New York

The Tweed Courthouse has Amazing Architectural Diversity. The Old New York County Courthouse, better known as the Tweed Courthouse, is located at 52 Chambers Street. The courthouse, designed by architect John Kellum, was built between the years 1861 and 1872 with funds from the notorious and corrupt political figure Boss Tweed. When Tweed was arrested, construction halted. The finished building, completed by architect Leopold Eidlitz, was unveiled in 1881.

The courthouse, which now houses the New York City Department of Education, is the second oldest government building in the City. The only building that is older is City Hall.

In 1984, the courthouse became a New York City Landmark and a part of the National Register of Historic Places. In 1986, the building became a National Historic Landmark. Preserving this impressive structure is very important, and it has undergone recent restorations. The Tweed Courthouse is one of the most impressive buildings in the nation, and the architecture alone is enough to draw countless tourists who come to New York.

A host of different architectural influences can be seen in the building. Influences from Renaissance style buildings, Victorian era buildings, and even Romanesque style are prominent in different sections of the courthouse. Marble pillars, wooden staircases, and cast iron handrails round out the impressive interior.

The restorations brought the courthouse back to its original glory. It still houses thirty large courtrooms around a central rotunda. While the exterior of the building is quite striking, the inside is just as remarkable. The decorative elements are the likes of which you won’t see in many other places.

Today, the first floor of the courthouse features the City Hall Academy that educates nearly 200 children from elementary and middle schools around the city. The academy teaches the children about the city and its history.

The public can take tours of the Tweed Courthouse. Be sure to bring your camera and take plenty of pictures of the exterior and the interior, as both are quite amazing. Tours are available on weekdays free of charge. To find out about the times that you can take the tours and to reserve, call 212-NEW-YORK.

A visit to the Tweed Courthouse is a great way to see one of the oldest buildings in the history of the city. Those who are coming to New York for a visit and want to see something out of the past would do well to pay the courthouse a visit. It is beautiful with an interesting design and best of all the tours are completely free!

52 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007