Waco, Texas / Public art
McLennan County Courthouse dome sculpture group
A striking public art installation featuring the Greek goddess Themis atop a white octagonal dome, surrounded by zinc eagles, crowning the Beaux-Arts style McLennan County Courthouse.
What is the McLennan County Courthouse dome sculpture group known for?
The sculpture group features a statue of Themis, the Greek goddess of divine order and personification of Justice, positioned atop a large white octagonal dome. The dome is also surrounded by zinc eagles.
Who is the figure on top of the courthouse dome?
The figure on top of the dome is Themis, the Greek goddess of divine order and personification of Justice.
What other sculptures are part of the dome group?
In addition to the statue of Themis, the main dome is surrounded by eagles made of zinc.
What inspired the design of the dome?
The dome of the McLennan County Courthouse was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Has the dome sculpture been updated recently?
Yes, a new Justice Themis statue was reinstalled atop the courthouse in 2018.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The McLennan County Courthouse dome sculpture group is a centerpiece of Waco's civic architecture. The courthouse itself was designed by famed architect J. Riely Gordon and built between 1901 and 1902, opening on November 3, 1902. The building is a blend of Beaux-Arts style with neoclassical elements, which is reflected in the crowning sculpture group. At the center of the roof is a large, white octagonal dome inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This dome is topped by a statue of Themis, the Greek personification of Justice and divine order. In 2018, a new Justice Themis statue was reinstalled atop the courthouse to maintain this iconic symbol of law. Surrounding the base of the curved dome are sculptures of eagles made of zinc. Together, these elements create a justice-themed sculptural group that serves as a landmark for the downtown Waco area. The courthouse is the fourth building to serve as the McLennan County courthouse, and the interior contains a series of Waco history paintings by Ruth McKinney Smith, installed in 1971.
Nearby context
Located at 501 Washington Avenue / North 6th Street, the sculpture group crowns the fourth McLennan County Courthouse, a cornerstone of Waco's downtown civic center.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Dome of the McLennan County Courthouse in Waco, Texas
Designed by J. Riely Gordon, architect of several county courthouses in Texas. On November 3, 1902, the completed courthouse was opened.
loc.gov -
McLennan County Courthouse_12/14/1978 - THC Atlas
Constructed 1901-1902, the McLennan County Courthouse was designed by J. Riely Gordon. The building was erected by Tom Lovell, contractor,.
atlas.thc.texas.gov -
Justice Themis statue reinstalled atop McLennan County Courthouse
A new Justice Themis statue was reinstalled atop the McLennan County Courthouse in Waco Saturday morning.
kxxv.com -
McLennan County - American Courthouses
Location: 501 Washington Avenue / North 6th Street
courthouses.co -
Monuments of Justice: McLennan County Courthouse History
Famed architect James Riley Gordon designed the McLennan County Courthouse, built in 1901 in a Beaux-Arts style with neoclassical elements.
countyprogress.com -
The Four McLennan County Courthouses
Ruth McKinney Smith (1914-1979), was a Waco artist who created a series of paintings that tell the story of Waco’s history. She began these…
wacotexashistoryinpictures.com