History of City Hall in Pictures (1679 - 1986)
New York City Hall, located in the Civic Center of Lower Manhattan, is the oldest city hall in the U.S. still serving its original governmental functions. Constructed between 1803 and 1812, it houses the Mayor’s office and the New York City Council chambers. The building, adjacent to the extensive Manhattan Municipal Building, is a National Historic Landmark and a designated city landmark.
The site’s history traces back to the 17th century with New Amsterdam’s first City Hall near Pearl Street. The current City Hall, replacing a second structure at Wall and Nassau Streets, was designed by Joseph-François Mangin and John McComb Jr., following a competition in 1802. The building’s construction faced challenges, including financial limitations and yellow fever, but opened officially in 1812. Over time, it underwent multiple renovations and restorations, incorporating various architectural styles and influences.
City Hall has been a focal point for major events, including the 1857 police riot and the 2003 political assassination of Councilman James E. Davis. The 21st-century restoration of the building, managed by Hill International, cost nearly $150 million and took five years. The architecture blends French Renaissance with English neoclassicism, and its design influenced subsequent civic structures like the Tweed Courthouse.
The building’s exterior features a central pavilion, wings, a columned entrance portico, and a domed tower. The interior is marked by a grand marble stairway, Corinthian columns, and a coffered dome. Significant rooms include the Governor’s Room, hosting artifacts like George Washington’s desk, and the Blue Room for official press conferences. City Hall Park, part of the Civic Center neighborhood, includes the historic, now-closed City Hall subway station, showcasing early 20th-century design.
1679: The Great Dock in New Amsterdam - Trade, Culture, and Power Shifts
Explore the transformation of 17th-century New Amsterdam into New York, highlighting key events in commerce, slave trade, and colonial rule.
1789: Federal Hall & NYC's Legacy: George Washington's Inauguration and Early U.S. Capital
Explore George Washington's 1789 inaugural address at NYC's Federal Hall, a landmark event underscoring the city's role as the first U.S. capital
1802: New York City Hall Design Competition: A Landmark Event in Urban and Architectural History
Explore the 1802 design competition for NYC City Hall, an event marking the city's growth and architectural ambitions in the early 19th century
1827: Street Scene near City Hall
Illustration of pedestrians walking near City Hall. Saint Paul's chapter is visible in the background skyline.
1855: City Hall, Manhattan
A photograph of Manhattan's City Hall. Taken by A.R. Waud in the winter of 1855.
1880: New York City Hall
Aerial photograph of City Hall with its neighborhood buildings and surrounding park in downtown Manhattan.
1904: NYC Subway Under Construction: City Hall Loop's Historic Inaugural Journey
Explore the City Hall Loop, where NYC's subway saga began. Discover the station that sparked a transportation revolution and its enduring legacy
1939: The Woolworth Building and City Hall Park
A bird's eye view of the Woolworth Building towering above City Hall Park on a partly cloudy day.
1952: Aerial View of City Hall Park
Photograph shows view of Broadway looking south from above the 135 highway with large skyscraper in distance and subway tracks emerging from the ground.
1981: Brooklyn City Hall
Photograph of Brooklyn's City Hall, located at209 Joralemon Street, Kings County New York.
1981: City Hall from the Southeast
Photograph of New York City Hall and City Hall Park taken from the southeast.
1986: City Hall Subway Station Control Room
Photograph of the tile-clad control room at City Hall Subway Station in downtown Manhattan.
