The Washington Supreme Court is set to return to its historic home at the Temple of Justice on the Capitol Campus in Olympia after a two-year renovation. The first oral arguments will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, and will be broadcast live on TVW. Since 2023, the court has been operating from a temporary location in Tumwater.
Chief Justice Steven González expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the renovations: “We are delighted to welcome the public back to the Temple of Justice on the Capitol Campus,” he said. He also thanked those involved in maintaining judicial operations during this period and acknowledged the efforts of staff who managed relocations and moved the State Law Library.
The Temple of Justice originally opened in 1912 as part of Washington's state capitol buildings. The recent renovations focused on updating heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, lighting, and plumbing throughout the building at a cost of approximately $33.5 million.
The building will reopen to visitors on Monday, October 28. Public access hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with entry via the south-side entrance facing the legislative building. Security measures include metal detectors and visual inspections of bags; weapons are prohibited inside per state law RCW 9.41.305.
ADA access is provided through an east-side entrance facing Cherry Lane. The State Law Library services will resume in their main reading room opposite the courtroom starting at 9 a.m., Monday-Friday, except for oral argument days when they open at 8 a.m.
For further information or assistance regarding library services or other inquiries about visiting hours, members of the public can check online resources or contact relevant offices via phone or email.