Old City Hall, completed in 1791, stands on the east side of Independence Hall and originally served as Philadelphia’s municipal headquarters during the city’s brief tenure as the nation’s capital. Designed in the restrained Federal style, the building reflects the civic architecture of the early republic—simple, balanced, and closely tied to the governmental functions of the surrounding State House complex.
Although built for city government, Old City Hall quickly took on a national role. From 1791 to 1800, it housed the U.S. Supreme Court, which met on the first floor while Philadelphia served as the temporary federal capital. During this period, the Court heard some of its earliest cases, helping establish the foundations of American constitutional law. After the federal government moved to Washington, D.C., the building returned to municipal use before becoming part of Independence National Historical Park in the 20th century.
Today, Old City Hall is preserved as a historic site, offering visitors a glimpse into the early workings of both Philadelphia’s city government and the nation’s highest court within the civic landscape surrounding Independence Hall.
