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Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building

A Brutalist high-rise designed as an African mask, this 19-story landmark honors a legendary Congressman and serves as a vital community hub in the heart of Harlem.

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Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building
ogs.ny.gov, og_image_ogs.ny.gov

What is the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building known for?

It is the tallest building in Harlem and is known for its Brutalist architecture designed by the African-American firm Ifill Johnson Hanchard to resemble an African mask.

What are the hours?

The building is open Sunday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The adjacent plaza and visitor kiosk are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Who was the building named after?

The building was renamed in 1983 to honor the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a renowned Black politician who represented Harlem in the U.S. House of Representatives for 26 years.

How do I get there?

The building is located at 163 West 125th Street in Harlem, Manhattan. It is served by the MTA via subway, bus, and the Metro-North Railroad (Harlem-125 Street station).

What events take place here?

The building serves as a community venue for meetings, charitable events, and health screening clinics. Additionally, the plaza hosts the Harlem Visitor Information Kiosk and the Summer Stage in Harlem free music series (July 16 to August 20, 2026).

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Completed in 1973, the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building stands as the tallest building in Harlem, overtaking the nearby Hotel Theresa. Originally known as the Harlem State Office Building, it was renamed in 1983 to honor the Reverend Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a prominent Black politician who represented Harlem in the U.S. House of Representatives for 26 years. The structure is an architectural statement designed by the African-American firm Ifill Johnson Hanchard. Its bold Brutalist geometry is specifically modeled after the form of an African mask, a creative choice that made the building both iconic and controversial from its inception. The project was driven by Governor Nelson Rockefeller to expand the governmental presence within the historically Black neighborhood. Beyond its architecture, the nineteen-story high-rise functions as a critical community venue. It hosts a variety of public and private activities, including health screening clinics, charitable events, and outreach meetings. The facility is located at 163 West 125th Street and is accessible via the Harlem-125 Street Metro-North station, as well as local subway and bus services. The adjacent plaza further integrates the building into the neighborhood. This space houses the Harlem Visitor Information Kiosk and serves as a stage for cultural programming, such as the Summer Stage in Harlem free music series, which runs from mid-July through August.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Harlem Visitor Information Kiosk on the plaza for local recommendations and maps.
  • If entering the building, bring a valid photo identification as OGS facilities may require it for admittance.
  • Check the Summer Stage schedule if visiting between July 16 and August 20 for free evening music.
  • Note that alcohol, coolers, and glass containers are prohibited on the building's plaza.

Nearby context

Located at 163 West 125th Street, the building sits just east of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard (Seventh Avenue), placing it in the bustling commercial and cultural center of Harlem.

Sources

Evidence and links