From historic towers to modern domes, here?s where governing happens If government work is characterized as bureaucratic and repetitive?if not slightly boring?the buildings that house local administrations are anything but.
City halls across the United States are often located at the cultural and physical nexuses of urban centers, creating large gathering places for everything from celebrations to protests. These are some of the most beautiful?and interesting?structures in the city.
Many city halls are historic. In places like New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, the architecture of each city?s town hall is representative of the particular milieu in which it was built. French Renaissance or Art Deco styles tell you not only when a building was constructed, but also the ideals to which cities aspired. City halls built in the 1960s and 1970s?like in Boston and Dallas?show a different aesthetic, and one that is frequently derided. And while some may quibble with the inclusion of a Brutalist masterpiece on a ?most beautiful? list, we appreciate its diversity and creativity, to say nothing of the stunning geometry.
Finally, there is also a handful of new city halls that show where government architecture is headed. Some are low-lying buildings made of limestone, while others are curving modern temples of glass and eco-friendly amenities.
This varied list spans both architectural styles and timeframes, and we?ve prioritized buildings outside of Washington, D.C., in ...