Cincinnati City Hall

Cincinnati City Hall is a nine-story municipal building with a prominent clock tower, constructed with stone from Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, and Indiana. The structure dominates downtown with its solid forms and rich decorative details.

The building was completed in 1893 and replaced the first city hall from 1852 at the same downtown location. Its architect Samuel Hannaford designed it in Romanesque style, creating a new landmark for the expanding city.

The interior features stained glass windows depicting historical scenes from Cincinnati's past, accompanied by ornate marble decorations from Italy and Tennessee. These artistic details shape the appearance of spaces where the city's public life unfolds.

The building is easily accessible on foot from Cincinnati's downtown and offers free access to the lobby featuring its decorative elements. Visitors can explore public areas but should check city hall hours and note that some sections are reserved for government offices.

The building uses forced perspective, with windows decreasing in size as they rise, creating the visual effect of greater height than its actual dimensions. This architectural trick makes the tower appear more imposing when examined closely.

Location: Ohio

Location: Cincinnati

Architects: Samuel Hannaford

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

GPS coordinates: 39.10440,-84.51900

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49