Transport yourself back in time with the NYC Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS)’ exclusive tour of the Surrogate’s Courthouse (originally known as the Hall of Records). Located in Lower Manhattan, this Beaux-Arts historical landmark is an example of the early 20th-century architectural movement, City Beautiful. Designed by John Rochester Thomas and completed in 1907 by Tammany Hall architects Horgan and Slattery, the building aimed to visually transform NYC, uplift the city’s communities and inspire moral and civic virtue.
The guided tour, led by Matthew Minor, a digitization specialist in the Municipal Archives, takes participants through the building’s magnificent lobby and shares historical insights on the Palais Garnier-inspired grand staircase, mosaic ceilings, and interior sculptures.
Accessibility
31 Chambers Street is an accessible building with an ADA entrance located at street level on Reade Street (rear of the building), staffed by a security guard during business hours. Elevators are available on all public floors. Restrooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors (women’s) and the 2nd and 4th floors (men’s). If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact publicprograms@records.nyc.gov in advance so we can ensure the best possible experience.
Nearby Subways:
- 2/3 to Chambers St. (via W Broadway)
- 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (via Centre St.)
- A/C to Chambers St (via Church St.)
- R/W to City Hall (via Broadway)
- J/Z to Chambers St (via Centre St.)
Location Information
RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.
guided
Saturday, May 2, 20261:00 PM
1 hour
Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Art & Architecture, History & Culture
Language: English
