Photograph of the Dean Cornwell murals at the Historic Metro Courthouse, 1981. Image courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress.

Photo showcases the entrance lobby of the City Hall and Courthouse after its completion in the late 1930s. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

In December 1978, local school music groups performed in the City Hall and Courthouse lobby. This photo is of the East Cheatham Elementary School choir. Image courtesy of Nashville Public Library.

A mural of Blindfolded Justice located in the rear entrance of the City Hall and Courthouse. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Taken in the late 1930s, the photo showcases a close-up of the chandelier that is suspended in the entrance lobby at the City Hall and Courthouse. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Taken in the late 1930s, the photo showcases the marble staircase in the entrace lobby leading up to the second floor. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Taken in the late 1930s, the photo showcases a close-up of a light fixture installed in one of the hallways of the City Hall and Courthouse. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

One of Nashville's Sister Cities is Magdeburg, Germany. In 2023, students from Magdeburg visited Nashville and toured the Historic City Hall and Courthouse. Students are shown here in the first floor lobby with Vice Mayor Henderson, Council Member Horton Rollins, Council Member Terry Vo, and Council Member Burkley Allen. Image courtesy of Metro Photography Services.

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Photograph of the Dean Cornwell murals at the Historic Metro Courthouse, 1981. Image courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress.

City Hall and Public Square

Stop 4 of 8

Interior Art and Architecture, Mezzanine

Hello, I’m Vice Mayor Angie Emery Henderson. From this second-floor balcony, you have the best vantage point to view the four large murals that wrap around the lobby. Painted in 1937 by illustrator Dean Cornwell, each panel features a symbolic figure representing Industry, Agriculture, Commerce, or Statesmanship. He created this series as part of the Public Works of Art Project—a New Deal program that employed artists to produce work for public buildings during the Great Depression. Look closely and you’ll spot maps of the city of Nashville and of Davidson County behind them—and even a familiar face. Cornwell modeled the Statesmanship figure after President Andrew Jackson.

Did You Know? Tennessee has a remarkable presidential legacy, with three U.S. presidents—Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson—calling the Volunteer State home. Johnson also served as vice president under Abraham Lincoln before becoming president after Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Trivia Question: There’s one more vice president from Tennessee. He served from 1993 to 2001. Can you name him? We’ll share the answer in the tour’s conclusion.

Beyond the murals, the building’s Art Deco style appears throughout the space, from its marble and metalwork to the decorative ceiling. A standout feature is the bronze and glass chandelier above the main lobby, which includes twelve etched glass panels depicting the zodiac. Together, these artistic details reflect Nashville’s civic pride and aspirations.

That commitment to creativity and culture is visible today through Sister Cities of Nashville, which builds international friendships through programs, exchanges, and service. The organization welcomes visitors to Nashville and sends locals abroad as citizen diplomats. Currently, we have nine official sister cities including Belfast, Caen, Edmonton, Kamakura, Erbil, and Mendoza. These partnerships highlight Nashville’s ongoing commitment to global connections and relationships.

Now take the stairs or elevators up to the fifth floor where the building’s courtrooms are located. Click Next Stop when you reach the fifth floor.

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