Old City Hall

Old City Hall stands on Chestnut Street in Independence National Historical Park, where Philadelphia’s first City Hall became the home of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800. Step inside to see a restored courtroom with period furnishings, candles and historic lighting, along with images of early justices including John Jay and Samuel Chase. The pulpit is another notable detail. It is a compact stop for anyone exploring the area’s founding-era sites; the main draw is the historic interior, rather than a range of activities.

The Supreme Court’s Philadelphia home

Old City Hall was originally built for Philadelphia’s municipal government. From 1791 to 1800, while the federal capital was in Philadelphia, the building housed the U.S. Supreme Court. The court’s early cases were argued here before the federal government moved to Washington, D.C.

After that move, the building returned to city use, housing Philadelphia’s City Hall and law operations. The city government later moved to a newer City Hall following the 1854 Consolidation Act. Today, Old City Hall is part of Independence National Historical Park and has been restored to show its Supreme Court era.

Details inside the historic courtroom

The restored interior gives a sense of the room’s former use. Look for the chairs and candles, as well as lighting sources recreated to reflect those used during the court’s early years. The pulpit is another surviving feature to notice.

A collection of images on the back wall traces early justices and chief justices, from John Jay and Thomas Cushing to Oliver Ellsworth and Samuel Chase. The historic furnishings and portraits make this a concise visit for visitors interested in the early Supreme Court and Philadelphia’s role in the nation’s founding.