Thurgood Marshall's Courthouse

Did you know that the federal courthouses are open to the public? I didn't, but I learned about this magnificent buildings last week. When I received the invitation to tour the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse, I was very excited. I did not know that this was actually the second circuit Appeals court. I knew the building, as the Second Circuit Court or the Federal Courthouse. I had passed it for years, but I did not know that the name had changed to Thurgood Marshall Courthouse in 2001.

This is a Cass Gilbert (architect) building. He was a champion of skyscrapers and he built several of them here in our city. The Woolworth Building and the Alexander Hamilton US Customs house were designed by him. He also built the US Supreme Court building. I also learned that he built the support towers of the George Washington Bridge.

On the day I visited Thurgood Marshall Courthouse there was an event tour. It was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NYC Landmark Preservation Laws. There was a tour of the 25th floor library, the 17th floor Appeals court and the first floor. The library was absolutely gorgeous . The shelves filled with law books, the large windows, the view of the city, the quiet and peace it exuded. The high ceilings, the decor which runs throughout the building all give the building a sense of grandeur.

Entering one of the courtrooms was surreal, for the library was opened and light came through, the courtroom was darker. There were dark benches for the audience, wood paneling behind the judges bench, though, their chairs were quite comfortable.

The main hall is breathtaking. The ceilings were over 25 feet high, the marble pillars and floors shined. There was a photograph/art exhibit of various famous cases that had been brought to this court. There were a couple of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Leona Helmsley and Imelda Marco. The judge informed me that this summer there is going to be an exhibit on Thurgood Marshall in the lobby area.

This is a public building, and even though you do have to go through security. It is worth the effort to visit the main floor of the building or to hear a case that is in session. Really worth the visit.