Tours
Enjoy a tour of a federal courthouse where the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears cases.
San Francisco – The James R. Browning Courthouse
The James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse is a historic post office and courthouse building in San Francisco. Designed in the 1890s and opened in 1905, it is regarded to be a fine and early example of Beaux-Arts Classical or American Renaissance architecture. It became a National Historic Landmark in 2012.
The court offers free guided tours of Browning Courthouse to the public. Groups visit the Courthouse’s the first-floor lobby of the original post office and courtrooms that are not in use.
Scheduled tours
Public tours are offered on certain Tuesdays every year. Tours begin at 1 p.m. and last about an hour.
To join a scheduled tour:
Plan to arrive by 12:45 p.m. to allow time for going through security.
If you’re an adult (18+), please bring a government-issued photo ID.
Enter the building at the public entrance: 95 Seventh Street.
After the security screening, meet the tour guide in the lobby.
Public tour schedule
In 2026, tours are being offered on these Tuesdays:
January 20
February 17
March 17
April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
Large group tours
Please fill out the tour request form. Requests must be sent at least 21 work days before the date you wish to visit.
Pasadena – The Richard H. Chambers Courthouse
The court offers free guided tours of Chambers Courthouse to the public.
Self-guided tours
Take a self-guided tour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Pick up a brochure in the Courthouse Lobby. Please note that some spaces aren't open during weeks when court is in session.
Guided tours
For small groups, call Daniel Castin at (626) 229-7263.
For large groups or classes, fill out the tour request form. Requests must be sent at least 21 work days before the date you wish to visit.
Portland – The Pioneer Courthouse
The court offers free self-guided and guided tours of the Pioneer Courthouse.
Self-guided tours
Take a self-guided tour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Pick up a brochure in the clerk’s office. Please note that some spaces aren't open during weeks when court is in session.
Guided tours
For large groups or classes, fill out the tour request form. Requests must be sent at least 21 work days before the date you wish to visit.
Seattle – William K. Nakamura Courthouse
The court offers free guided tours of the Nakamura Courthouse.
Guided tours
For small groups, call Barbara Cervantes at (206) 224-2405.
For large groups or classes, fill out the tour request form. Requests must be sent at least 21 work days before the date you wish to visit.