We hope you enjoyed this tour!

On the Civic and Public Spaces tour, you’ve seen many government buildings and spaces in the downtown core. These local, state, and federal buildings and plazas continue to house essential functions of government: courts, chambers, offices, and public places to gather. In addition to stunning architecture, this tour also reflects the intentional effort to incorporate meaningful art and design—adding artistic beauty to civic function. Some buildings continue to serve the public as they have for decades and centuries, while others have been recently re-purposed. No matter the size, purpose, or architectural style—from ornate to austere—each building tells the story of Nashville and its role as a local, state, and regional center of government for over 200 years.

From its humble beginnings as a wilderness outpost to the “it” city, we hope you’ve enjoyed your journey through Nashville’s civic and public past. Thank you for visiting Nashville Sites and visit us again soon! Next door is Union Station, the former train station turned boutique hotel. Stop in the lobby to see the exquisite architecture and furnishings before you head back. The tour is over! To return to the Music City Center or any point north, turn LEFT on Tenth Ave. South and follow it around the rear of the building to Demonbreun Street. Signing off, this is Jessica Reeves.