Old City Hall

Altes Rathaus is a historic building in Philadelphia that served as the seat of the United States Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800. The structure displays classical architecture with a stone facade and symmetrical design, and its interior preserves the original courtroom from that period.

The building was constructed in 1791 when Philadelphia was temporarily the capital of the United States, and it housed the Supreme Court during this time. After 1800, the Court left the city, and the building took on new functions while remaining part of Philadelphia's civic life.

The building shows how early American justice was organized, with original furnishings and objects from around 1790. The rooms give a sense of how judges and lawyers worked back then.

The building is open to visitors daily, and you can walk freely through the rooms and explore the original courtroom without paying admission. Access is designed for people with mobility needs, and there is plenty of time to view all areas at a leisurely pace.

The courtroom preserves the original judge's bench and podium where the first Supreme Court justices made decisions that shaped American law. These details show how closely early justice was tied to its everyday objects and spaces.

Location: Philadelphia

Address: Chestnut Street Independence, National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00

Website: https://nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/oldcityhall.htm

GPS coordinates: 39.94887,-75.14941

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04