Most courthouses look like court houses. Government Issue Bland. Others can be interesting, even though they are imposing (Tennessee Supreme Court), traditional (Ninth Circuit, San Francisco), historic (Rhode Island Superior Court, Providence), unique (Hawaii Supreme Court, the only courthouse in the U.S. which was also the supreme court for another country), plain but hip (Coahoma County, Mississippi, “in the land of the Delta Blues”), mildly sinister, could be haunted (Ninth Circuit, Portland), cliché (Ninth Circuit, Pasadena, which looks like it could be the “Hotel California” of Eagles fame), or rockin’ (no wait, that’s Graceland).
But how many courthouses do you know could serve (and have served) as the set of a sci-fi film? For that matter, how many courthouses were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? Welcome to the Marin County Civic Center and Courthouse in San Rafael, California, which is by our estimation the Coolest Courthouse in America. Wright’s final design. Set of the Ethan Hawke/Uma Thurman/Jude Law vehicle Gattaca.
The exterior indeed resembles a space ship. But what merits attention are its details, highlighted in the photos below. You may not be a fan of FLW as we are. But even if not, you must admit this place is special.
The entry to the Marin Civic Center/Courthouse
Roofline detail
The spire
A more pedestrian view of the entry gates
Even the Library sign is FLW
Next time you’re in the neighborhood it’s worth a visit. Two minutes off the freeway, and tours are offered.