In short
- Buffalo City Hall is a 32-story Art Deco tower from 1931.
- Old County Hall is a granite building finished in 1875.
- Both sit within walking distance in the downtown grid.
In this article
When you walk through downtown Buffalo, two government buildings stand out. Buffalo City Hall towers over Niagara Square, while the older Old County Hall sits nearby. Understanding their differences helps you appreciate the city's rapid growth between 1875 and 1931.
How do the buildings look different?
Buffalo City Hall is a towering Art Deco skyscraper, while Old County Hall features heavy 1875 granite.
Buffalo City Hall reaches 398 feet (121.3 meters) into the sky. Architects George J. Dietel and John J. Wade designed its 32 stories in the classic Art Deco style. Old County Hall relies on a shorter, massive granite structure built decades earlier.
| Feature | Buffalo City Hall | Old County Hall |
|---|---|---|
| Completed | 1931 | 1875 |
| Style | Art Deco Skyscraper | Granite construction |
| Location | Niagara Square | Down the street |
Which building is older?
Old County Hall is 56 years older than Buffalo City Hall.
Old County Hall was finished in 1875. Buffalo City Hall was completed in 1931 and dedicated in July 1932. The newer building marked Buffalo's centennial and cost approximately $6.85 million to construct.
Where are they located?
Buffalo City Hall sits at 65 Niagara Square, and Old County Hall is just down the street.
Both buildings sit in the downtown core. You can easily walk between them in a few minutes. They sit along the radial street grid originally designed by Joseph Ellicott in 1804.
What is inside Buffalo City Hall?
Buffalo City Hall features historic artwork and a public viewing deck.
The building offers a 360-degree observation deck on the 28th floor. You will also see historic murals by William de Leftwich Dodge in the Lobby & Entrance. The lobby and the observation deck are completely free to enter on weekdays.
Are the viewing areas accessible?
Buffalo City Hall's observation deck requires climbing three flights of stairs.
You must take an elevator to the 25th floor of Buffalo City Hall. From there, you walk up three steep flights of stairs to reach the deck. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
Are guided tours available?
Free guided tours of Buffalo City Hall run at noon on weekdays.
Explore Buffalo provides these daily noon tours. You must register online ahead of time. The tour visits the Common Council Chambers and explains the building's 1,520 inward-opening windows.
Questions travellers ask
Is Buffalo City Hall open on weekends?
No. Buffalo City Hall is entirely closed to the public on weekends and government holidays.
How tall is Buffalo City Hall?
The building stands 398 feet (121.3 meters) tall from street level to the tip of the tower.
Is there an admission fee for Buffalo City Hall?
No. It is completely free to enter the lobby and access the 28th-floor observation deck.
