Kings County Savings Bank

Kings County Savings Bank is a Second Empire-style bank building located at 135 Broadway in Williamsburg, featuring three stories with six tall cast iron Corinthian columns and a Mansard roof. The structure showcases the architectural details typical of this 19th-century building style.

The building was constructed between 1860 and 1867 by architects William H. Willcox and Gamaliel King and served as a financial institution until the 1990s. After its closure as a bank, it was later transformed into a cultural center.

The building bears the name of the bank that once operated within its walls, and the spaces still reflect the grandeur of a wealthy 19th-century financial institution. Visitors can observe the elaborate details that speak to the wealth and importance this place held in Brooklyn's history.

The building now functions as the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, hosting exhibitions, performances, lectures, and seminars for both local and international visitors. Check ahead before visiting to learn about current programs and any accessibility features available for your needs.

The first floor retains its original massive gas chandeliers and ornate woodwork from the banking era. The third floor is completely open with no internal support columns, creating an unusual open feeling rarely seen in buildings of this age.

Location: Brooklyn

Inception: 1867

Architects: William H. Willcox, Gamaliel King

Architectural style: Second Empire style

Address: 135 Broadway

GPS coordinates: 40.71028,-73.96417

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06