Old Post Office

The Old Post Office is a large government building in Lower Manhattan that stands with an impressive columned facade running along Eighth Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets. The structure extends across two city blocks and displays classical architectural features with columns that structure the extended facade.

Construction of this building began in 1869 and took about a decade, designed by prominent architect Alfred B. Mullett. The structure was built in a Second Empire style and originally served as a post office before being later transformed into a transportation hub.

The building was named for its original function as a post office, reflecting its central role in urban communication. Today visitors can see the ornate marble surfaces and national emblems throughout the interior, which speak to the institution's historical importance.

The location is easy to access and sits directly on major subway stations, making a visit straightforward. Allow plenty of time to explore the exterior architecture and the new train station interior.

The building features two dozen massive columns, each rising to an imposing height and supporting the entablature that displays the postal service creed. These architectural columns are much larger than typical building columns and dominate the street-level impression of the facade.