City Hall Park

Designed by French émigré Joseph François Mangin and native New Yorker John McComb Jr., the fine, Federal-style City Hall was completed in 1812. Tours take in the rotunda, with its splendid coffered dome; the City Council Chamber; and the recently restored Governor’s Room, which houses a collection of 19th-century American political portraits as well as historic furnishings (including George Washington’s desk). Individuals can book the Thursday-morning tour (at least two days in advance); alternatively, sign up at the Heritage Tourism Center at the southern end of City Hall Park on the east side of Broadway, at Barclay Street, for Wednesday’s first-come, first-served tour at noon. Group tours should be booked at least one week in advance.