The Parthenon is always looking for individuals who love art and history, who are eager to learn and share what they know with others. Docents are volunteers trained to lead tours to school groups, adult groups, and visitors.  Docents also engage visitors in informal learning programs in our galleries, and field questions, facilitate cart programs in museum galleries, give directions, and act as ambassadors for the Parthenon, Centennial Park, and Nashville.

The docent training program is free and open to the public; no background in history or art is necessary. We will give you the tools to lead memorable museum tours and help visitors learn while exploring the museum.

Our focus is always the visitor’s experience. Docents represent the Parthenon, Centennial Park Conservancy, and Metro Parks. We strive to ensure that museum guests of all ages will have a fun, educational, and memorable visit. Thank you for your interest in providing learning experiences for over 350,000 Parthenon visitors every year!

Training topics include:

• Nashville History

• American Art

• Ancient Greece

• Greek Mythology

• Temporary exhibition trainings on contemporary art, local artists, and more

• Museum Interpretation

Docent Policies & Expectations:

• All docents must fill out the application form below and pass a required background check by Metro Parks HR.

• Docents are expected to work two 2-4 hour shifts per month. Your volunteer shift may include: leading a registered group tour, facilitating the Art Cart, study time, greeting visitors, offering public tours, or informal hosting in a museum gallery.

• Docents are expected to attend occasional exhibition trainings, and will be given study time during volunteer shifts to stay current on museum programming and Parthenon-related news and research.

• Docents must communicate in advance with the Parthenon staff if they are not able to make their volunteer shift.

• Docents must check in/out a volunteer badge at the Ticket Counter before and after each shift.

• Docents must check in with museum staff before beginning their shift.

• Docents are expected to track and record interaction numbers, where applicable.

• Docents may not handle money at the Ticket Counter or in the Museum Store.

Docents automatically become members of the Centennial Park Conservancy. Members receive free admission to the Parthenon, discounts in the Museum Store, discounted ECHO tickets, a quarterly newsletter, and more.