The John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse rises along the harbor on Fan Pier in Boston’s Seaport District, its curved brick facade and soaring glass conoid facing the water. Completed in 1998 and designed by architect Henry N. Cobb, the building houses the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the First Circuit Court of Appeals. It is named for longtime South Boston congressman Joe Moakley.
Beyond its judicial function, the courthouse is a public landmark. Its waterfront grounds connect to Boston’s Harborwalk, and the great glass-walled rotunda overlooks the harbor and downtown skyline. The nonprofit Exploreing Justice offers civic-education programming on site. Because this is an active federal courthouse, public access, tours, and security screening are subject to change, so confirm visiting details and any building rules through official channels before you go.
Good to know
- An active federal courthouse, so expect airport-style security screening
- Sits on Fan Pier directly along Boston’s Harborwalk with harbor views
- Named for South Boston congressman John Joseph Moakley
- Designed by architect Henry N. Cobb and opened in 1998
Getting there
- Address: 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02210
- Neighborhood: Seaport District / South Boston Waterfront
- Nearest T: Courthouse (MBTA Silver Line); South Station (Red Line) is roughly a 15-minute walk