The Public Works Administration worked on the Davidson County Courthouse and City Hall from 1935 to 1937. This photo, taken in 1937, shows the final stages of work on the fountain, front entrance, and columns. Image courtesy of Nashville Public Library.

Photograph of the engravings above the Davidson County Courthouse doors. Image courtesy of Michael Rivera.

Taken in the late 1930s, the photo showcases the eastern fountain located between the City Hall and Courthouse and the Public Square. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

This figure, designed by René Paul Chambellan, depicts courage and rests by the far left door of the city hall and courthouse entrance. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

This figure, designed by René Paul Chambellan, depicts law and rests by the middle door of the city hall and courthouse entrance. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

This figure designed by René Paul Chambellan depicts security and rests by the far right door of the city hall and courthouse entrance. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

This figure by the entrance of the city hall and courthouse, designed by René Paul Chambellan, depicts justice. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

This figure by the entrance of the city hall and courthouse designed by René Paul Chambellan depicts wisdom. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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The Public Works Administration worked on the Davidson County Courthouse and City Hall from 1935 to 1937. This photo, taken in 1937, shows the final stages of work on the fountain, front entrance, and columns. Image courtesy of Nashville Public Library.

City Hall and Public Square

Stop 2 of 8

PWA Art and Architecture, Exterior

Hello, I’m Vice Mayor Angie Emery Henderson—welcome to the Public Square and the Historic Courthouse and City Hall, the civic heart of our city.

The courthouse and city hall, built of gleaming Indiana limestone, is the fifth courthouse to stand on this site. Designed by Emmons H. Woolwine and Hirons & Dennison architects, it reflects its New Deal origins. Completed in 1937, the building is a striking example of Stripped Classicism—also known as PWA Moderne—a style that blends the clean lines of Art Deco with Classical symmetry, connecting it to Nashville’s reputation as the “Athens of the South.”

What’s Art Deco? Think bold lines, repeating shapes, and sleek details that feel modern, yet classical. Popular throughout the 1930s, the style was meant to inspire confidence during the Great Depression. And what was the New Deal? A sweeping set of federal programs designed to revive the economy. In the 1930s, the Public Works Administration, or PWA, funded courthouses, schools, dams, highways—and the artists, architects, and laborers who built them.

Did You Know? Nashville’s City Hall was among the first in the nation to integrate art directly into its public architecture—thanks to New Deal investment. Trivia Question: Which U.S. president initiated the New Deal programs that funded this building? We’ll reveal the answer in the tour’s conclusion.

Now, look above the main entrance. Tall bronze doors are topped by figures symbolizing loyalty, law, justice, courage, wisdom, and security—sculpted by René Paul Chambellan of New York. More of his animal carvings—a lioness, a bison, even a snake—are tucked around the building’s cornice. Above the doors, three carved-glass windows depict iconic lawmakers from world history: King John, Moses, and Justinian I, created by artist David Harriton. For more public art in the area, explore the Art and Murals tour on Nashville Sites. Inside the building’s lobby, you’ll find two-story murals by Louisville illustrator Dean Cornwell. These sweeping panels—showing industry, agriculture, commerce, and statesmanship—capture Nashville’s civic aspirations.

Fun Fact: Today, Metro’s Department of General Services continues to sustainably maintain the building. Recent upgrades introduced LED lighting and energy-saving systems, reducing electricity use by 21 percent. Several offices also participate in Metro’s composting program, which diverts more than 1,200 pounds of food scraps per year into nutrient-rich soil for local farms and gardens.

When you’re ready to enter the building, head through the main doors and the security checkpoint. The building is fully wheelchair accessible: take the elevator straight ahead to the second floor. Staircases are also located to the left and right of security. Hit Next Stop when you reach the second-floor mezzanine and find the Metro Council Office.

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Public Square