San Jose City

San Jose City Hall is a government building located in downtown San Jose, California. City Hall was designed with a view to ensure easy access to city services. It boasts 530,000 square feet of office and public space. The architect, Richard Meier, built it using sustainable design principles and it opened its doors to the public in October 2005. It is a major landmark in the city of San Jose and is often one of the first places any tourist visits. City Hall reflects the vitality, diversity and creativity of the City of San José.

Events

There are often several events conducted at San Jose City Hall. It has huge spaces and a variety of different indoor and outdoor locations. City Hall is often chosen for wedding ceremonies and receptions by the local community. Significant political events such as public speeches and expressive displays often take place here. Flag hoisting ceremonies are also conducted by the government.

Another unique feature of City Hall is the two rare peregrine falcons that built its nestbox on top of a ledge on the 18-floor. The falcons are taken care of by the city and the university of California. They even have their own live streaming feed that is online 24/7.

Architecture

San José City Hall boasts a modern design featuring light-filled spaces with sweeping expanses of metal, stone and glass which provides a contemporary backdrop to the grand outdoor adjoining plazas. Visitor’s eyes are often drawn to the free-standing 10-story glass rotunda. The rotunda is a central feature and is often lighted up for major public as well as private events. Another important feature is the “Waterscape” which is a stone and water feature displayed at the entrance to City Hall on the East and West Plazas. It represents the geological conditions of the city of San Jose.

Inside the building, one can find a number of artistic displays mounted on the walls of City Hall. There are paintings, photographs and artefacts that depict the journey and evolution of San Jose as a city. The ‘Parade of Floats’ is another procession of sixteen sculptures that represent the coming together of different communities in the city.

Plan Your Visit

San Jose City Hall is easily accessible by bus or light rail or one may choose to drive down due to the availability of ample parking space. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all weekdays. However, tourists and locals alike often come here at night to look at the beauty of its lighting. Keep in mind that it is closed on all public holidays.