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International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon
On October 22, 2022, the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society and the Nashville Parthenon are teaming up to join hundreds of archaeological organizations around the world to celebrate International Archaeology Day and the Tennessee STEAM Festival.
Stop by activity stations from 9 AM - 12 PM!
What is international archaeology Day at the Parthenon?
International Archaeology Day is a morning full of family-friendly STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities that highlight archaeological work and artifacts to share the legacy of Greek culture to raise awareness of the ancient world.
Museum visitors at this archaeology fair event will view The Odyssey: A Retelling in the East Gallery, explore the replica interior of the ancient Parthenon, participate in activity stations, and earn an “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” sticker!
Activities include:
Ask an Archaeologist: Meet Dr. Emma Buckingham, an archaeologist who studies ancient Greece! She will answer questions about all things archaeology.
Polychromy at the Parthenon: Work with archaeologists from AIA-Nashville Society to create colorful masterpieces just like ancient statues and buildings.
9:30 AM Tennessee Exposition Architecture Tour: Join the Parthenon’s Curator on a special tour at 9:30 AM to think like an archaeologist and discover the lost buildings, structures, and rides of the 1897 Exposition.
Conservation Station: Work to piece together ceramic fragments just like conservators study how broken fragments join to form a complete artifact. Many of the ceramics come from the Centennial Art Center, which used to be the Centennial Park Pool but now hosts art classes and workshops.
Experimental Archaeology: Build miniature ancient structures with blocks and assorted materials just as archaeologists learn about the past by testing out ideas through experimentation of architectural steps and processes.
Research Station: Designated the Quiet Area, this inclusive space offers books and resources on archaeology, ancient Greece, and mythology.
Exterior Architecture Audio Tour in English, Spanish, or Arabic— available 24/7
Bonus— kidsville at Market fair:
Outside in Centennial Park, the fun continues 10 AM - 5 PM at Market Fair! Join Kidsville to learn about mythology stories as seen in Parthenon sculptures, and use disposable materials to create your own take-home olive oil painting. Plus, paint pumpkins just like ancient Greek artists used vibrant paints to color their art, sculptures, temples, and buildings!
international archaeology day HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Never been to International Archaeology Day at the Parthenon before? This list of tips will help you prepare for a fun visit!
All visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings inside the Nashville Parthenon.
We recommend arriving early to ensure enough time to explore and visit each activity station.
AIA-Nashville Society members receive free museum admission.
Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation employees receive free museum admission.
Discounted admission for mentioning visiting for International Archaeology Day.
Sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society, Centennial Park Conservancy, and Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation.
About International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day is a celebration of archaeology and the thrill of discovery. The Archaeological Institute of America and collaborating archaeological organizations across the United States, Canada, and abroad present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether it is a family-friendly archaeology fair, a guided tour of a local archaeological site, a simulated dig, a lecture or classroom visit from an archaeologist, interactive, hands-on International Archaeology Day programs provide the chance to indulge your inner Indiana Jones and be an archaeologist for the day.
For more information about International Archaeology Day, visit http://www.archaeologyday.org.
About Tennessee STEAM Festival
Founded by the Discovery Center, the Tennessee STEAM Festival is a 10-day statewide celebration designed to build interest and excitement in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
For more information about the Tennessee STEAM Festival, visit www.tnsteam.org.