Centennial Park, one of Nashville’s best-loved outdoor gathering localities, was given its name back in 1897 after it hosted the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition. (Before being chosen as the site for the Exposition, the 132 acres we now enjoy as Centennial Park had previously been the State Fairgrounds and then later became a racetrack known as West Side Park). The Exposition was planned as a celebration of Tennessee’s 100th anniversary of becoming a state (although the cost and work of the preparations for the fair caused it to open a year late!), and it drew in close to 2 million visitors over the 6 months it was up and running. There were multiple temporary buildings erected for the celebration, including a large Egyptian pyramid, re-created Chinese and Cuban villages, a see-saw ride over 200 feet tall, a man-made lake for gondola rides, and the full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon.
The Parthenon was originally built of only wood and plaster and was not intended to stand for long after the festivities ended. But Nashville fell in love with this architectural treasure, feeling it proudly symbolized the city’s reputation for being known as the “Athens of the South” (a term that was earned in large part due to a focus on higher education). So from 1921 to 1931, The Parthenon was reconstructed with concrete as a permanent structure. This Music City landmark houses one of Nashville’s fine art museums, featuring 19th and 20th century American artists and other visiting temporary exhibits (open Tues.-Sat, 9am-4:30pm, and Sun. 12:30-4:30pm; $6 admission for adults and $4 for children and seniors).
In addition to the playgrounds, manicured gardens and walking trails surrounding the Parthenon, the park is also widely known and loved for its emphasis on cultural and arts festivals. It annually hosts “Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival” in the fall, which showcases the beautiful diversity our metropolis is fortunate to enjoy with the numerous countries represented within our city limits. “Shakespeare in the Park” is held in late summer months at the park’s open-air bandshell, giving top-notch performances and high-quality entertainment—a must-see live theater experience on a starry night! Last month I made it out with some friends on a beautiful autumn day to the Centennial Craft Fest; it was a perfect afternoon of a vast array of artisan vendors selling their handiwork, excellent live music, and tasty options of fall treats from a variety of food trucks (I had the pumpkin ice cream from Jeni’s and old-fashioned Kettle Corn—both delicious!). Next year I plan to make it out to the “Musician’s Corner Acoustic Nights”—free outdoor concerts from local talent held weekly, May-June.
If you’ve not yet found yourself at one of the park’s various festivals, mark your calendars for Music City Winterfest on December 9, 2017 (from 10am-4pm). This free event will host over 100 artisan booths ideal for Christmas shopping, live music, activities for the kids, photos with Santa, food and holiday beverages, a S’mores station and even a beard contest!
Although Nashville will always be best known for our musical emphasis, it can’t be denied that having the only full scale replica in the world of the ancient Greek Parthenon adds an intriguing something extra to our city’s sundry resume. 🙂
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I always wondered why Nashville had a replica of the Parthenon. Thanks for the history and explanation!
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