Monroe County Courthouse
Monroe County Courthouse
4.5
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4.5
33 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,084 contributions
Sept 2021
A beautiful historic county courthouse in the center of downtown Bloomington! Be sure to walk all the way around this 1906 Beaux Arts building to see all of the individual memorials and works of art...the war memorial, the 1910 population center plaque, the tribute to women in government, the historic marker, and the building topper...a copper weathervane saved from the previous courthouse building!! Enjoy the lovely sculptures over the main entrance, and if the building is open, check out the lovely glass dome!! And then just sit and enjoy the day!! It's also lovely when lit at night too.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G8396ZYnancyw
Bloomington, IN3 contributions
Sept 2018
always keep it up to date and well maintained looks great at christmas time a wonderful place too visit.
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
interceptpubs
Columbus, IN974 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Had a few minutes to spare so took a look around Monroe County's courthouse on the square in Bloomington. Designed in the style of the public buildings of the Chicago and St. Louis World's Fairs at the turn of the 20th century, this interesting structure features a nice sculpture by Albert Molnar by the front entrance and several murals in the interior by Gustave Brand. The building itself is naturally clad in Indiana limestone for which the area around Bloomington is, of course, well known.
This is actually the third county courthouse built on this site - the first, basically a log cabin, dating back to the county's founding, with the present structure dating back to 1908. If you look closely at the top of the dome, there's a fish-shaped weather vane which previously sat atop the second courthouse. The interior of the dome is quite striking with extensive backlit stained glass panels. After view it from the ground floor, be sure to go up to the balconies on the second and third levels. In addition to the closer views of the domes interior and the various murals, there are some interesting architectural details such as the large faux marble finished columns. Also along the walls on the second and third floors are several large format photos from 19th and early 20th century Monroe County, including area soldiers preparing to depart for the Spanish-American and First World Wars.
Outside, there are good size monuments honoring Civil War and Second World War soldiers, the latter from the studio of Owen County sculptor E. M. Visquesney. The latter is in stone or cast concrete and is different than his more common "Spirit of the American Doughboy" honoring First World War soldiers seen at other courthouses around Indiana and beyond.
This is actually the third county courthouse built on this site - the first, basically a log cabin, dating back to the county's founding, with the present structure dating back to 1908. If you look closely at the top of the dome, there's a fish-shaped weather vane which previously sat atop the second courthouse. The interior of the dome is quite striking with extensive backlit stained glass panels. After view it from the ground floor, be sure to go up to the balconies on the second and third levels. In addition to the closer views of the domes interior and the various murals, there are some interesting architectural details such as the large faux marble finished columns. Also along the walls on the second and third floors are several large format photos from 19th and early 20th century Monroe County, including area soldiers preparing to depart for the Spanish-American and First World Wars.
Outside, there are good size monuments honoring Civil War and Second World War soldiers, the latter from the studio of Owen County sculptor E. M. Visquesney. The latter is in stone or cast concrete and is different than his more common "Spirit of the American Doughboy" honoring First World War soldiers seen at other courthouses around Indiana and beyond.
Written 13 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad
3 contributions
Jul 2019
One of Indiana's 92 County Courthouses. Beautiful and historic building that is the county seat of Monroe county
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pillerlana65
Bloomington, IN23 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Since it was renovated , it is really impressive. The uncovered original painting on the ceilings, and marble pillars
Written 12 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva J
Moscow, Russia2,672 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
A classic, grand building in what used to be the city center. Be sure to go in and stare up at the decoration of the interior of the cupola. Gorgeous.
Written 10 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine F
Bridgewater, NJ3,597 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
This iconic courthouse in the center of town is right in the town square. Beautiful architecture inside and out. Love the fish weathervane which is a town symbol. Marks the center of town with its dome and special lights at the holidays!
Written 27 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary H
Bloomington, IN571 contributions
Aug 2017
The history of the Monroe County Courthouse is worth examining, as are the changes that arose in its design and architecture. Even in the last 50 years, it has changed considerably, with the second floor removed and the atrium of the early design re-established.
Written 26 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryE995
Pasadena, CA143 contributions
Sept 2017 • Family
We stopped in the court house while touring around the square area. The court house is beautiful--murals, stained glass dome, interesting history markers etc. It's still very much a working county building which adds to it's charm. I would definitely suggest taking some time to explore the courthouse (take the elevator to 3rd level for best viewing) and park around it.
Written 3 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnp36942
Bloomington, IN27 contributions
Nov 2016
By and far the best time to visit is during the holidays. From the giant tree in the rotunda to the strings of lights that stretch from the roof to the surrounding buildings defiantly worth a visit.
Written 8 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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