Cordell Hull Building

The Cordell Hull building is a massive Modern-style structure, dominated by repeated rows of windows and understated Art Deco influences. It is named for Cordell Hull, who represented Tennessee as a congressman and senator before becoming the longest tenured secretary of state, serving President Franklin D. Roosevelt for over a decade from 1933 to 1944. In 1945, Hull also became the first Tennessean to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in establishing the United Nations. Built in 1952-53 by the architecture firm of Hart & McBryde, this building became the new home of the state legislature offices after threats of demolition in 2013.

Around the back of the Cordell Hull building, you will see a series of statues by Nashville artist Thomas Puryear Mims. These statues depict scenes from Tennessee history, including the arrival of European settlers in “The Mountain Group,” the Civil War in “Equestrian Group,” and the impact of the Tennessee Valley Authority in “TVA Group.” The fourth statue, “The Family Group,” portrays a family unit, complete with a canine companion. Mims was a Professor of Art at Vanderbilt University and was appointed Sculptor in Residence there in 1958. You can follow the sidewalk around to the rear of the building to see all four statues. It will lead to Fifth Ave. North, which you can follow back to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Now we’ll back track a bit, past the John Sevier State Office Building to the State Capitol entrance at the corner of Sixth Ave. North and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on your right. If you cannot access the stairs, continue up Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to the Motlow Tunnel on your right. Call ahead and you can enter the Capitol through this entrance.