Maricopa County Old Courthouse: A Phoenix Landmark

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Explore Phoenix's historic Maricopa County Old Courthouse, an architectural gem with a rich legal legacy and museum.

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Maricopa County Old Courthouse

The Maricopa County Old Courthouse, located in downtown Phoenix, is a historic landmark with Romanesque architecture and rich history. Built in the late 19th century, it reflects the city's development and legal evolution.

A brief summary to Maricopa County Old Courthouse

Historic City Hall, 125 W Washington St, Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix, Arizona, 85003, US
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and better access to exhibits.
Check the courthouse's official website for any special events or guided tours.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens surrounding the courthouse.
Plan to explore nearby attractions, as the courthouse is conveniently located close to other historical sites.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Historic City Hall

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Luhrs Tower

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Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County

Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County: Justice Hub

Getting There

Public Transport

The Maricopa County Old Courthouse is accessible via Phoenix's public transportation. Valley Metro Rail provides light rail service to the area. From the 'Central Ave & Washington' stop, walk west on Washington Street. Several bus lines also stop near the courthouse. A single ride on the light rail or bus costs $2.
Walking

The Maricopa County Old Courthouse is located in downtown Phoenix and is easily accessible by walking from many nearby attractions and hotels. From Patriot's Park, head east on W Washington St towards N 1st Ave for about 0.2 miles. The courthouse will be on your right. Walking is free.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Phoenix. Simply enter '125 W Washington St, Phoenix' as your destination. A short ride from downtown hotels or other attractions will likely cost between $7 and $15, depending on traffic and distance.
Parking

Several parking options are available near the Maricopa County Old Courthouse. Metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the courthouse. Parking garages are also located nearby. Reduced-rate parking is available at 305 West Washington Street. Park in the garage on the south side of Washington Street and validate your ticket at the information booth in the courthouse. The cost for parking varies based on location.

Discover more about Maricopa County Old Courthouse

The Maricopa County Old Courthouse, also known as the County-City Administration Building, stands as a testament to Phoenix's history. Completed in 1929, it was a joint effort between Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix to create a building large enough to house both city and county functions. The courthouse was designed by Shreveport architect Edward Neild in conjunction with the Phoenix firm of Lescher & Mahoney. The building combines Neo-Classical and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. The exterior features terra cotta and poured concrete, with bronze and polished granite details and red clay roofing tiles. Inside, the building housed court functions, administrative offices, and a jail. The courthouse gained national attention in 1963 with the criminal trial of Ernesto Miranda, which led to the landmark Miranda v. Arizona case in 1966 and the ubiquitous "Miranda warning". The Maricopa County Justice Museum opened in a sixth-floor cell block inside the Old Courthouse in 2012. The museum showcases Maricopa County's legal history, court cases, and elements of law.