Historic Photos
Search
Minneapolis City Hall & Courthouse > History > Historic Photos   Print View 
Historic Photos
Construction of the City Hall and Courthouse building was a feat to say the least. Huge blocks of granite -- some weighing as much as 26 tons each -- were transported by train from Ortonville, Minnesota. The downtown Minneapolis landscape also has changed significantly since the building's inception in the late 1800s. As time has passed and events have occurred, the building has endured as a lasting icon for Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Peruse the historic photo archive for a look into the founding and life of the City Hall and Courthouse as well as some close-ups of key building features.


Image Gallery: Historic Photo Archive
City Hall and Courthouse A familiar view of the City Hall and Courthouse from the northwest. As seen in the photograph, the magnificent structure dwarfed surrounding buildings, such as the row houses to the west and across the block. It remained the tallest building in Minneapolis until the construction of the Foshay Tower in the 1920s.  Interior View of Clock Room and Clock Mechanism A look at one of the original mechanisms that rotated the clocks' arms. It has long since been replaced with an automated system. Original Cathedral Courtroom The main courtroom, located on the third floor of the City Hall and Courthouse, matched the city council chambers in its grandness. Designed in the Arts and Craft style imported from Britain, it reflected the overall look of the building emphasizing the acanthus leaf motifs, coffered ceilings and large arches. Original City Council Chamber The original city council chambers, located on the third floor of the City Hall and Courthouse, was the most elaborately decorated interior when the building opened to the public. Among its extraordinary features was a ceiling that soared overhead with vaults that occupied part of the fifth floor.
See all 24 images.


All text and images © Municipal Building Commission unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Any reuse or republishing of the text or images on this Web site without prior written consent of the copyright holder is prohibited. For information or use permissions, contact the Municipal Building Commission. For problems or questions regarding this Web site contact tracey.mclaughlin@co.hennepin.mn.us.

Last modified on 9/17/2010 11:57:39 AM