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Pasadena City Hall: A Beaux-Arts Masterpiece

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Discover Pasadena City Hall: An architectural masterpiece blending Beaux-Arts, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles in the heart of Pasadena.

Pasadena City Hall, completed in 1927, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture with Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival influences. This iconic building features a grand dome, intricate detailing, and a serene courtyard, making it a must-see landmark in Pasadena.

A brief summary to Pasadena City Hall

  • Monday 8:30 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pasadena City Hall.

  • Visit the central courtyard for a peaceful retreat and photo opportunity.
  • Explore the exterior grounds and admire the intricate architectural details.
  • Check out the building's lighting at night for a spectacular view of its elegant facade.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Pasadena City Hall is accessible via the Metro A Line (formerly the Gold Line). Take the A Line to Memorial Park Station, which is a short walk east to City Hall. The base fare for Metro is $1.75, and a TAP card is recommended for easy payment. TAP cards can be purchased at Metro Rail stations. Pasadena Transit also offers several bus routes that stop near City Hall. A single ride on Pasadena Transit is $0.75.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Garfield Avenue, walk north on Garfield Avenue for two blocks. Pasadena City Hall will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From anywhere in Pasadena, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Pasadena City Hall typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand. Drop-off is usually on Garfield Avenue, directly in front of City Hall.

  • Parking

    Pasadena City Hall does not offer on-site parking. However, several parking lots and garages are available nearby. The closest parking is at 254 East Union Street. Metered street parking is also available, costing around $2.50 for 2 hours. Garage parking can range from $4 for 2 hours to $20 for 2 hours. Some nearby options include the lot at 231 Union St. ($6.25) and the garage at 473 E Union St. ($22.21).

Discover more about Pasadena City Hall

Pasadena City Hall, located at 100 North Garfield Avenue, stands as a testament to the City Beautiful movement of the 1920s. Completed in 1927, this architectural gem combines elements of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, creating a unique and impressive civic building. Designed by the San Francisco firm of Bakewell and Brown, who also designed San Francisco's City Hall, Pasadena's City Hall reflects the prosperity and artistic vision of the city. The building's exterior measures 361 feet by 242 feet and rises six stories high, encompassing over 170,000 square feet. The most prominent feature is the 206-foot dome above the west entrance, inspired by the dome of Les Invalides in Paris. The building is designed around a central courtyard with a Baroque-style fountain, offering a tranquil space for visitors. Decorative cast stone features, including cartouches, finials, and lion heads, add to the building's grandeur. Pasadena City Hall has also served as a popular filming location, appearing in movies like "The Great Dictator" and "A Walk in the Clouds," as well as television shows such as "Parks and Recreation" and "Mission: Impossible". In the late 1990s, a major renovation and seismic retrofit project was undertaken to ensure the building's safety and preservation. The project earned a LEED Gold certification, highlighting its environmentally responsible design. Today, Pasadena City Hall remains a vibrant center of city government and a beloved landmark for residents and tourists alike.

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