Family Court Building

The Family Court Building is a courthouse with Beaux-Arts design featuring three stories above ground and a ground level, positioned along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Its form mirrors the Parkway Central Library across the way, creating a balanced pair of structures along this major avenue.

This courthouse opened in 1940 and served for decades as the home for juvenile and family matters of the city's court system. In 2014, the court relocated to another location, leaving the building without its original purpose.

The building holds artistic works inside that represent the American judicial system and social values from the New Deal era. These artworks shape the character of the rooms and tell the story of a time of major social change.

The building is visible from outside and shapes the street view of Benjamin Franklin Parkway with its distinctive appearance. Visitors can admire the outer architecture and understand how it fits into its urban setting.

The interior of the building was decorated with artistic works from the 1930s that were influenced by American New Deal programs. These historical works document artistic support during a time of economic hardship.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1940s

Architects: John T. Windrim, W. R. Morton Keast

Official opening: November 25, 1940

Address: 1801 Vine Street

GPS coordinates: 39.95782,-75.17093

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:21