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New York City, New York / History

U.S. Custom House

A Beaux-Arts masterpiece at Manhattan's tip, this seven-story landmark once collected port duties and now houses the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Archives.

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U.S. Custom House
americanindian.si.edu, og_image_americanindian.si.edu

What is the U.S. Custom House known for?

The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House is a seven-story Beaux-Arts masterpiece designed by Cass Gilbert. It is a National Historic Landmark that originally served as the headquarters for the Port of New York's duty collection operations and now houses the George Gustav Heye Center of the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Archives, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission to the museum is always free and no tickets are required.

What are the hours?

The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on December 25. The imagiNATIONS Activity Center is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the building houses the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, which is an interactive learning zone for kids.

Is the building accessible?

Yes, the Custom House is fully accessible. The ground-floor entrance and all exhibitions are wheelchair accessible.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 1 Bowling Green, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House is a monumental seven-story, steel-framed structure designed by architect Cass Gilbert. Constructed between 1902 and 1907, the building was originally created as the headquarters for the Port of New York's duty collection operations, serving as a hub to assess taxes on imported goods in one of the nation's most prosperous ports. Its design was heavily inspired by the Paris Opera House, reflecting the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts style. The exterior of the building is a showcase of the City Beautiful movement. It features massive Corinthian colonnades, nautical motifs, and sculptures by 12 different artists. Most notably, a grand exterior staircase is flanked by the Four Continents statues, created by Daniel Chester French, which represent Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. These imposing figures signal the building's historic connection to New York City's role as a major international port. Inside, the landmark boasts a three-story oval rotunda adorned with murals by New York artist Reginald Marsh. While it remains a site for federal operations, including the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, it has transitioned into a cultural center. In 1994, the building became home to the George Gustav Heye Center, a branch of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Today, the site is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City landmark. Beyond the museum, the third floor houses a public research and exhibition facility for the National Archives at New York City. The massive complex covers four city blocks and stands as a testament to early 20th-century national pride and architectural ambition.

Visitor tips

  • Admission to the museum is always free and no tickets are required.
  • The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on December 25.
  • The ground-floor entrance and all exhibitions are wheelchair accessible.
  • Since the museum has no parking, use metered street parking or nearby commercial facilities.

Nearby context

The Custom House sits prominently at the southern tip of Manhattan, south of Bowling Green and directly across from Battery Park. It is positioned at the foot of the Wiechquaekeck Trail, an ancient Algonquian trade route, overlooking the bustling harbor of Lower Manhattan.

Sources

Evidence and links