Davidson County Courthouse and Public Square

Public Square offers many opportunities to learn more about Nashville’s history. Feel free to walk around and explore—the stone markers around the perimeter and the observation towers both offer insight into the history of the public square that you can explore at your leisure. Nashville was platted in 1784 by Thomas Molloy, who laid out a four-acre parcel on the bluffs over the river as a civic space for the burgeoning frontier town. This is the fifth courthouse on these grounds, built in 1936-37 by Emmons H. Woolwine and Hirrons & Dennison, subsidized with federal funds. The current courthouse is an excellent example of the Stripped Classicism architectural style. This style, also called PWA Modern, is used in many New Deal projects as is the Art Deco style popular in the 1930s. The Davidson County Courthouse is also considered Nashville’s City Hall and was the first building in the county to have air conditioning.

Entry to the courthouse is gained through one of three sets of bronze doors designed by famed architectural sculptor René Paul Chambellan. Each of these is decorated with symbols of law, justice, courage, wisdom, and security. Above the doorways are carvings of King John, Moses, and Justinian I, each great ancient law givers. These carvings were created by glass artist David Harriton. Once inside check out the murals painted by Dean Cornwell who worked with the WPA Public Art Program. The murals depict scenes of industry, commerce, agriculture, and public service—common themes found in WPA art and architecture. For more information on the public art at the Courthouse, visit our Downtown Public Art and Murals tour.

When you are ready, walk around the east (right) side of the Courthouse to view the Ben West/City Market Building across James Robertson Parkway. There is no need to cross the street unless you want a closer look of the exterior, as the building is not open to the public. To the right, you’ll see the Cumberland River and Victory Memorial Bridge, which opened in 1956 to honor Davidson County residents who died in World War II and the Korean War.