As a courthouse planning consultant, I spend considerable time attending meetings and conducting on-site assessments in courthouses. I am never surprised by my consistently positive interaction with knowledgeable and conversant judiciary members. I am also never surprised by historical and contemporary courthouse structures' exceptional architectural design and physical environments.What consistently surprises me is the exceptional quality of the courthouse art found inside and on the grounds of many of these courthouses. From historic murals decorating the walls of courtrooms, libraries, and corridors to contemporary sculptures welcoming me at the front entrance, these works of art are some of the most memorable images I take away from my visit.
Courthouse Art Diversity
Numerous murals representing historical and cultural scenes were installed as courthouse art during the 1930s and 1940s through the Great Depression era Works Progress Administration (WPA) Public Works Art Project. One of my favorites is shown in this photo of a portion of an extensive mural in a Texas courthouse entrance lobby.
After the WPA period, beginning in the 1970s, the General Services Administration (GSA) Art in Architecture Program began commissioning the installation of a wide range of representational and abstract publicly scaled fine art and sculpture in federal courthouses. This Washington courthouse art showcases contemporary glass art from a well-known local artist.
Federal, state, or local American courthouse is the tangible symbol of the rule of law as a bedrock principle of our inclusive democratic government. The courthouse art incorporated into these courthouses is intended to enhance the appearance of the courthouse and support this principle by creating a long-term cultural connection with the American public. Its importance in this role is serving as a record of who we are and what we aspire to be.
In my next post, I will present one of my favorite courthouse artworks, a sculpture entitled “Blind Justice.”
