The City Hall tower as seen from the courtyard. Philadelphia founder William Penn envisioned a state house being built on Centre Square, but it took two centuries to happen.
Source/Public Domain
< 2 of 12 >
Long before it housed City Hall, Centre Square was home to a Pump House depicted in this 1812 painting by John Lewis Krimmel. The painting shows Philadelphia residents celebrating the Fourth of July holiday.
Source/PhillyHistory.org
< 3 of 12 >
This photograph shows Centre Square before construction began on Philadelphia's City Hall in 1871.
Source/PhillyHistory.org
< 4 of 12 >
City Hall, as viewed from the southwest corner, was under construction in 1881. It already had been under construction for 10 years, but would not be completed for another 20 years.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 5 of 12 >
Initially loathed by city residents, attitudes toward City Hall shifted in the latter portion of the 20th Century. This photo shows the view of Philadelphia's City Hall and Dilworth Park from the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 6 of 12 >
Trees bloom in the springtime in the courtyard of City Hall.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 7 of 12 >
As temperatures begin to rise, the fountains in Dilworth Park on the west side of City Hall become a popular way to cool down.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 8 of 12 >
The bronze sculpture of General George B. McClellan is located on the North Plaza of City Hall.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 9 of 12 >
A close up of the clock and tower on Philadelphia's City Hall.
Source/PhillyHistory.org
< 10 of 12 >
The William Penn sculpture atop City Hall was assembled in several different parts.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 11 of 12 >
A family enters Dilworth Park on a recent spring afternoon.
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
< 12 of 12 >
The arcade / portal on the east side of City Hall.
