Temple of Justice Centennial

Temple of Justice Centennial Celebration

Design and Construction of the Temple of Justice Note: All photos in this gallery are part of the Harry White Photograph Collection (1903-1950) at the University of Washington. More information about the collection, its contents, and how it came to University of Washington can be found on UW Libraries Special Collections website. The photos are used with permission. View the gallery
Architectural Details Quality craftsmanship and an attention to detail were not spared in finishing the Temple of Justice. View a sample of the many architectural details found on doors, ceilings, woodwork and lighting. Information about symbols used in the Courtroom and Law Library chandeliers View the gallery
Exterior of the Temple The Temple of Justice is a magnificent building from all angles, in all seasons, and at different times of day. View the gallery
Interior of the Temple When the Temple of Justice first opened in January 1913, many of the rooms were incomplete. Furnishings, Alaskan marble, lighting, clocks and decorative metal and woodwork were installed before the building was declared complete in 1920. View the gallery
State Law Library The Main Reading Room on the main level of the Temple of Justice was originally designed to house the State Law Library, a division of the State Library. In 1959, the Law Library was made a part of the Supreme Court. Today the State Law Library has collections in the Main Reading Room, Mezzanine and Lower Level of the Temple of Justice. More information on the history of the State Law Library can be found on the library's website and on the history page of this website. View the gallery
Supreme Courtroom The Washington Supreme Court holds oral arguments and other hearings in the courtroom. Though the Temple of Justice opened in 1913, the courtroom wasn't finished until 1920. The general look and feel of the courtroom largely remained the same until a "bench renovation" in 1983 and a more significant building renovation in the late 1980's. View the gallery


Sponsors The WA State Administrative Office of the Courts The WA State Courts The WA State Law Library The WA State Legislature The WA State Historical Society The WA Secretary of State	Acknowledgments The Temple of Justice Centennial Committee would like to acknowledge the efforts of the many people who have contributed to the Temple Centennial Celebrations. We appreciate the contributions of The WA State Digital Archives and The University of WA, Digital Collections.	About the Centennial Press Releases Contact