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Surrogate's Courthouse · 31 Chambers Street
Surrogate's Courthouse
Surrogate's Courthouse

["New York in Its Infancy" granite group on façade of Surrogate's Court, 31 Chambers Street.]

IMAGE DATE1975
FromMuseum of the City of New York logoMuseum of the City of New York

Surrogate’s Court (Hall of Records) ARCHITECT: John R. Thomas; Horgan & Slattery DATE: 1899-1907 STYLE: Beaux-Arts

This building was planned as a magnificent architectural symbol of the prosperity, importance, and achievement of New York City. The opulence, grandeur, and lavish decoration of the interiors are highly characteristic of the Beaux-Arts style.

The main lobby, a vast and imposing architectural space, is one of the most splendid interiors in New York City. The magnificent mosaics of the ceiling in the foyer and vestibules are indicative of the high degree of artistic attention lavished on the building. The North and South Court Rooms on the fifth floor are unusually splendid. The building continues to play a vital role in City government as the Surrogate’s Court and Hall of Records.

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