Explore Albany’s hub of local government. Pay particular attention to the ornate Common Council chamber and eye-catching and melodic carillon tower.
Visit Albany City Hall, the city’s beautiful center of local government. The building is lauded for its pleasing design and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Albany City Hall was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the acclaimed architect behind Trinity Church in Boston and Harvard University’s Sever Hall. It was completed in 1883, replacing the previous city hall, which was destroyed in a fire. Observe the building’s elegant Romanesque architecture style, punctuated by arched windows and entryways.
You can’t miss Albany City Hall’s carillon tower. It is particularly remarkable because it was the first municipal carillon in the United States. In 1918, it was suggested that the tower be built as a monument to the soldiers who had served and lost their lives in World War I. Over 25,000 citizens contributed to the campaign over many years. In September 1927, its inaugural recital was played. The carillon contains 49 bells, which range in size from 11,200 pounds (5,100 kilograms) to a mere 27 pounds (12 kilograms). For the best places to hear the carillon, go to Academy Park, located in front of Albany City Hall, or Corning Park, which is located behind it.
Once you pass through security on the first floor, take a self-guided tour through the building. Ride upstairs in the antique wooden elevator. Alternatively, walk up the sweeping hand-carved staircase. View the art on each floor, from portraits of local figures to intricate carvings. The Common Council chamber on the second floor is particularly ornate.
Albany City Hall is a working public building. It is home to the office of the mayor, Albany’s Common Council, the city courts and the traffic courts. Note that depending on the events happening, some rooms, particularly courtrooms, may be closed to the public.
Find Albany City Hall in the center of Albany. Reach it easily on foot from downtown or take advantage of Albany’s street parking and parking garages if you arrive by car.
