Manhattan Municipal Building - Architecture

Architecture

Guastavino ceiling tiles on the south arcade The central arch was inspired by the Roman Arch of Constantine

Various types of sculpture and relief were used in the building, but it most closely resembles classic Roman architecture, with the Arch of Constantine being the inspiration for the design of the central arch, which is large enough that automobile traffic once went through it, although in modern times the shortened Chambers Street no longer continues through to the eastern side. A screen of Corinthian columns flanks the arch.

The terra-cotta vault was modeled on the entrance of the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, and the south arcade has a ceiling of white Guastavino tiles.

The facade of the building was restored in 1990 by Wank Adams Slavin.

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