John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, Federal courthouse in Seaport District, United States
The John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse is a federal courthouse in Boston's Seaport District, Massachusetts. The building rises ten stories with water-struck brick walls and granite details, positioned along the waterfront.
The courthouse was completed in 1999 and serves as the main home for the United States District Court of Massachusetts. Its opening marked a significant moment for the region's judicial operations and reshaped the waterfront area.
The courthouse displays twenty-one monochromatic artworks by Ellsworth Kelly throughout its interior spaces, which visitors notice while moving through the building. These pieces add visual interest to the public areas and reflect how art and law coexist in the space.
The courthouse is open to visitors Monday through Friday, with all guests required to bring identification and pass through security screening. Plan extra time for the entry process before exploring the interior.
The building uses an innovative ice storage system for air conditioning that generates cooling power during nighttime hours. This approach reduces daytime energy consumption and reflects forward-thinking environmental design.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
