Law Courts Building
A brutalist skyscraper with courtrooms designed for the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Federal Court, High Court and Law Courts Library
10am–4pm
About the building
In the mid-1960s, the NSW Government commissioned the construction of a new home for the Supreme Court of NSW. It was decided the Supreme Court should be accommodated in a modern courthouse, under one roof, befitting the work and dignity of the court. The site chosen was in the heart of Sydney’s traditional legal precinct, Queens Square, and opposite the historic King Street Court Complex.
The Law Courts building opened in 1977. Geoffrey Atherden, of the prominent architectural firm McConnel Smith and Johnson, designed the brutalist skyscraper. (Atherden went on to have a career as a playwright and television screenwriter, most notably creating and writing the sitcom Mother and son.)
The 27-storey building accommodates the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of NSW. It has 34 state and 27 federal courtrooms, as well as hearing rooms, judges’ chambers, conference rooms, registries and a library. Level 13 of the Law Courts is home to the Banco Court, where the Chief Justice hears matters and holds ceremonial sittings. Inside the Banco Court, Sydney Open visitors will hear about the history and operation of the Supreme Court from in-house experts. They can also view the Supreme Court Gallery and a History Wall, installed in 2024 to mark the court’s bicentenary.
Built
1977
Architect
Geoffrey Atherden
Awards
Energy Australia National Trust Heritage Award, 2004
Acknowledgements
The participation of the Law Courts Building is with the approval and support of the Chief Justice of NSW, the Honourable Andrew Bell.
Find out more about this building here
Law Courts Building
Level 13, 184 Phillip Street, Sydney
Entry details
Level 13: Banco Courtroom, Supreme Court Gallery and bicentenary history exhibition
10am–4pm
3.30pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresThe premises are fully accessible, with lift access to level 13. Prams can be left at ground level. Accessible toilets are available
Toilets availablePhotography allowed
