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Brooklyn Borough Hall

A stately Greek Revival landmark and the oldest public building in Brooklyn, this former city hall now serves as the seat of the Brooklyn Borough President in Downtown Brooklyn.

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Brooklyn Borough Hall
www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov, website_hero_img_www.brooklynbp.nyc.gov

What is Brooklyn Borough Hall known for?

It is Brooklyn's oldest public building and a registered New York City landmark. It is known for its Greek Revival style, featuring high columns, a massive staircase, a two-story rotunda lobby, and a clock tower.

What are the hours for Brooklyn Borough Hall?

The office at Brooklyn Borough Hall lists public hours from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Where is it located?

It is located in Downtown Brooklyn at 209 Joralemon Street.

What is the history of the building?

Built between 1846 and 1851, it originally served as the City Hall for the City of Brooklyn. It became Brooklyn Borough Hall in January 1898 after Brooklyn merged into New York City.

Who designed the building and what is it made of?

The building was designed by architects Gamaliel King and Calvin Pollard and is constructed of Tuckahoe marble.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Brooklyn Borough Hall stands as a dignified civic structure of impressive scale in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by architects Gamaliel King and Calvin Pollard, the building was constructed of Tuckahoe marble under the supervision of superintendent Stephen Haynes. While some records date its completion to 1848, others note it was built between 1846 and 1851 to serve as the City Hall for the then-independent City of Brooklyn. The architecture is a prime example of the Greek Revival style, characterized by a monumental staircase and six Ionic columns that support a triangular pediment. The structure is further distinguished by its two-story rotunda lobby and a cast-iron cupola topped by a statue of Justice. This formidable building is now registered as a New York City landmark and remains the oldest public building in the borough. Historically, the building's role shifted in January 1898 when the independent City of Brooklyn merged with New York City. At that time, Kings County became the Borough of Brooklyn, and the structure transitioned into Brooklyn Borough Hall. Today, it continues to house the Brooklyn Borough President and hosts public community events, including monthly ULURP public hearings held every second Wednesday of the month. Beyond its government functions, the site is a hub of local activity. Since 1983, the Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket has operated here, connecting local farms with the Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods. The hall also serves as a venue for cultural programming, such as the Brooklyn Book Festival's Children's Day event.

Visitor tips

  • Visit on Tuesdays or Saturdays between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm to experience the Greenmarket.
  • Stop by the Joralemon Street entrance to visit the Brooklyn Tourism Office.
  • If visiting for government business, the office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Look up at the cupola to spot the statue of Justice.

Nearby context

Located at 209 Joralemon Street, the hall is the heart of the Civic Center in Downtown Brooklyn. It borders the bustling Columbus Park, making it a central anchor for those exploring the transition between the commercial district and the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links