The Manhattan Municipal Building, located at 1 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan, is one of New York City’s most interesting buildings. From its intricate architecture to its rich history (not to mention the many hidden gems found inside), the structure is among the largest government office buildings in the world, home to over 2,000 employees from a dozen municipal agencies.

The Manhattan Municipal Building, which looms tall, forms an inspiring counterpoint amongst the various government buildings nearby, including City Hall, the Tweed Courthouse, the Surrogate’s Courthouse, and others.

The following are 12 of its best kept secrets spanning both the past and present:

12. The Manhattan Municipal Building Cupola Offers 360 Degree Views of the City

The Municipal Building cupola is one of the most coveted off-limits spots at Open House New York Weekend each year, located on the building’s 36th floor and offers breathtaking 360 degree views of Lower Manhattan and the Midtown skyline.

You take a special elevator to the top from the Manhattan Borough President’s office. The cupola surrounds you in a beautiful ring of Corinthian columns and provides an unobstructed vantage point. Check out our photographs from a previous visit.