The Luzerne County Courthouse – A Historical and Architectural Marvel

The Luzerne County Courthouse, situated in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, stands as a distinguished example of Classical Revival architecture. Designed by architect Frederick John Osterling and constructed between 1906 and 1909, the courthouse features a cruciform plan centered around a grand central rotunda. The rotunda’s expansive 53-foot diameter dome is supported by four massive piers, with the dome’s base reaching 100 feet above the first floor.

The building’s exterior is crafted from Ohio sandstone, reinforced concrete, and terra cotta, ensuring both durability and aesthetic grandeur. Its symmetrical design includes identical north, east, and south facades, with the south side facing the landscaped River Common serving as the main entrance. The entrance leads into a spacious foyer that opens into the rotunda, exemplifying the building’s monumental scale and design.

Inside, the courthouse is adorned with luxurious materials such as Tennessee marble floors, white Italian marble columns, and Botticino stone piers. The central rotunda and its surrounding corridors are embellished with mosaic portraits of significant county figures and scenes depicting the early settlement of the Wyoming Valley. The five courtrooms are equally impressive, each featuring murals by renowned artists like Edwin H. Blashfield and Kenyon Cox, and are furnished with mahogany and Circassian walnut details.

The courthouse’s design draws inspiration from classical architecture, notably the four tourelles surrounding the main dome, reminiscent of McKim, Mead & White’s 1891 design for the Rhode Island State Capitol. This design choice also evokes the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, reflecting the influence of classical forms on early 20th-century public architecture.

Beyond its functional role, the Luzerne County Courthouse serves as a testament to the city’s historical and cultural heritage. Its architectural elegance and artistic embellishments continue to captivate visitors and underscore its significance as a landmark in Wilkes-Barre.

Visit the courthouse for yourself, either in person or on a virtual tour.

Featured Site on the Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture Tour