Merced County Courthouse

The Merced County Courthouse is a white plaster building featuring Italian Renaissance design elements. It has a front portico, a balcony on its south side, and a decorative cupola at the corner of 21st and N Streets.

The building served as the seat of the Merced County Superior Court from 1875 to 1975, functioning as the center of justice for over a century. During this period, the county grew and the courthouse witnessed the development of California.

The museum displays original courtrooms and a recreated schoolhouse from the past. Visitors can see how justice and education functioned during that era.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and is located at the corner of 21st and N Streets. Volunteer staff offer guided tours through the building to help visitors understand the history on display.

The building features three statues of Justice and a figure of Minerva that embody Renaissance ideals of law and wisdom. These sculptures make it one of the rare examples of this architectural style between Sacramento and Los Angeles.

Location: Merced

GPS coordinates: 37.30610,-120.48300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04