Public Square

In 1784 Thomas Molloy set aside four acres in the original town plan for a public square which would serve as the center of Nashville government for over a century. There’s plenty of public art all around Public Square and inside the Courthouse, including the Metro Nashville Arts Commission’s Art WORKS Courthouse Collection, so feel free to go inside and explore. This local artwork collection is available for viewing during normal business hours.

The Davidson County Courthouse, made out of Indiana limestone in the style of Art Deco with some Classical elements, is actually the fifth courthouse to stand at this site. During the Great Depression, the federal government sought to relieve the nation’s unemployment by funding the construction of public buildings. With additional federal funds designated for artwork, the Davidson County Public Building and Courthouse (now known as the Historic Metro Courthouse) includes permanent public artworks dating back to the 1930s. As you enter the courthouse through the tall bronze doors of the main entrance, look up to see the bronze figures representing loyalty law, justice, courage, wisdom, and security. These sculptures, as well as the carved cornice sculptures of a lioness, bison, and snake, are by the architectural sculptor René Paul Chambellan of New York. Just above the main entrance are carved-glass windows of King John, Moses, and Justinian I, each great ancient lawgivers, created by glass artist David Harriton of New York. Inside, two-story murals painted by illustrator Dean Cornwell of Louisville, Kentucky, depict images of industry, commerce, agriculture, and statesmanship.  

To the left of the Courthouse along Third Avenue North is the site of Witness Walls, Nashville’s Civil Rights-inspired public artwork commissioned by the Metro Nashville Arts Commission. Witness Walls presents images of Nashville citizens taking action through desegregation, boycotts, marches, and Freedom Rides. Artist Walter Hood of Oakland, California sought to create a site of remembrance and celebration for the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville, inviting visitors to literally “bear witness.”

In the plaza south of the courthouse stands Citizen by Thomas Sayre. The artwork represent figures related to Nashville’s history. Installed in the summer of 2010, Citizen is located on the front lawn of the downtown Public Square and Courthouse. The two thirty-foot tall sculptures features a crank device at the base, allowing viewers to point each of the two figures outstretched arms towards various points of interest downtown. At night, the sculptures are lit to serve as a beacon for a gathering place for all in Nashville. The Metro Nashville Art Commission dedicated this artwork in 2010. Once you’ve finished looking around Public Square, cross back over Union Street to continue the tour on Second Avenue.

Cross over Union Street onto Second Avenue North and head down the hill. Our next stop, 21c Museum Hotel is on your right. Enter the building and then resume the tour.