The Tombs, Former prison in Lower Manhattan, United States.
The Manhattan House of Detention spans an entire block at the intersection of Centre Street and Franklin Street, featuring Egyptian Revival architecture with granite walls.
Built in 1838 on the site of the former Collect Pond, The Tombs replaced the Colonial-era Bridewell Prison and operated as a municipal jail until 1974.
The building earned its nickname from its resemblance to Egyptian mausoleums, with a design based on illustrations from traveler John I Stevens' documentation of ancient structures.
The facility included 150 cells for male inmates, separate areas for female prisoners, and contained both the Police Court and Court of Special Sessions.
The structure began sinking shortly after construction due to its location on filled marshland, requiring constant repairs to address warped cells and foundation cracks.
Location: New York
Inception: 1838
Architectural style: Egyptian Revival architecture
GPS coordinates: 40.71652,-74.00048
Latest update: May 28, 2025 17:56
New York County Courthouse
272 m
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
336 m
Former New York Life Insurance Company Building
241 m
Columbus Park
89 m
Museum of Chinese in America
344 m
Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse
326 m
Bowery Theatre
335 m
Chinatown Fair
325 m
Mmuseumm
219 m
Church of the Transfiguration
253 m
Edward Mooney House
309 m
Firehouse, Engine Company 31
109 m
359 Broadway
321 m
Triumph of the Human Spirit
308 m
Columbus Park
163 m
ARChive of Contemporary Music
357 m
Building at 361 Broadway
308 m
Art in General
210 m
Louis J. Lefkowitz Building
162 m
Inter_iam
360 m
254-260 Canal Street
216 m
Atlantic Garden
349 m
Ahrens Building
147 m
Stephen Van Rensselaer House
334 m
Chinatown and Little Italy Historic District
249 m
True Light Lutheran Church (Manhattan)
293 m
Odd Fellows Hall
373 m
Mulberry Bend
171 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes