Programs
Get ready to discover the history of Nashville, enjoy multiple art galleries, and walk amidst ancient architecture. Experience the rich history of Nashville and Athens, Greece-- without leaving Tennessee!
As part of Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation, the Nashville Parthenon offers daily, weekly, monthly, and public programming to enhance the museum experience for visitors. From daily programs at the Art Cart to annual public programs for families, the Parthenon strives to create fun learning opportunities that highlight the unique museum collection.
Daily, Weekly, Monthly, & Public Programs
DAILY PROGRAMS
Architecture Audio Tours
Art Cart
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
Kidsville
Sketching the Marbles
MONTHLY PROGRAMS
Architecture Tours
Centennial Park History Tours
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, special public programs are planned to deepen the museum experience by providing interesting scholarly and musical connections, opportunities to explore new exhibitions, and themed programming days. Join Nashville Parthenon’s seasonal public programs for new and exciting ways to visit the museum.
AIA-Nashville Society
Book Club
International Archaeology Day
ECHO
Centennial Park Conservancy’s
Earth Day
MNPS STEAM Night at the Parthenon
Symposia
Opening Receptions
PROGRAM DETAILS
Architecture Audio Tour
Listen to the fascinating architectural details of the Nashville Parthenon in our new Architecture Audio Tour. This audio program about the exterior features of the Parthenon is available on your own device. Get started outside the museum entrance, look for the sidewalk graphics, and prepare to immerse yourself in 2,500 years of history!
The Architecture Audio Tour is available as sound files or transcripts in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Art Cart
Museum experts offer daily programs open to visitors of all ages. On weekdays during regular museum hours, one of the rotating daily programs listed below will take place from 1:00-1:30 PM when listed on our Calendar. Participation is included with museum admission.
See program times and dates in our Calendar.
Art cart programs include:
Ancient Olympics — NEW!
Learn about ancient athletic competitions and symbols of victory on the Athena statue. Make an Olympic wreath and crown yourself a champion!
This program takes place in the Naos.
AIA-Nashville Society Polychromy at the Parthenon
Discover the vibrant colors and patterns of ancient Greek sculpture and architecture!
This program takes place in the Naos or Treasury.
Sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the AIA-Nashville Society.
Includes free AIA-Nashville Society Coloring Book pages, also downloadable here:
Weaving Athena’s Peplos
Hear the story of Athena and Arachne, then try your hand at weaving with special weaving boards and looms— or take home your very own “Weaving Athena’s Peplos” kit.
This program takes place in the Treasury.
Cowan Challenge
Take the Cowan Challenge to get up close with paintings to discover their details!
This program takes place in the Gallery Lobby.
Which Greek God Is It Anyway?
See examples of ancient Greek gods and identify their special symbols.
This program takes place in the Naos or Treasury
Greek God Guessing Game
Use symbols to identify different Greek gods in a guessing game!
This program takes place in the Naos.
Medusa’s Snakes
Hear Medusa's story, find her on Athena's armor, and craft your very own snake.
This program takes place in the Naos.
Ask an Expert
Ask your archaeology and art history questions and learn from museum experts.
This program takes place throughout the museum.
All About Athena
Find out more about the iconic Greek goddess of warfare, wisdom, and weaving.
This program takes place in the Naos.
retired Art cart programs:
Persephone: Daughter or Queen?
Recognize Persephone’s interesting role in Greek religion.
This program takes place in the Treasury.
Symbolic Flowers
View a variety of flowers featured in our paintings and make your own origami rose.
This program takes place in the Kidsville Activity Corner.
Kidsville
Kidsville Program Overview
Kidsville is a program of Centennial Park Conservancy and has been presenting over 100 free education programs annually in Centennial Park and across Nashville for more than a decade. Kidsville at the Parthenon is held on most Saturdays of each month. Families can visit the museum, enjoy the day’s program, and pick up a Kidsville Take-Home Activity Kit (while supplies last). Simply wait in line at the Ticket Counter and inform the staff member that you are here for Kidsville. Visit the Kidsville website to view the event calendar, Storybook Walk in Centennial Park, and more.
MISSION
Kidsville's mission is to utilize the arts and play to help educate children in the areas of literacy, art, music, nutrition, and fitness to enhance the development of healthy and successful futures for Nashville's youngest citizens.
VISION
Connecting Nashville children and families to enriching opportunities for growth through education, experience, and exploration.
CORE VALUES
We believe in the intrinsic value of play and provide opportunities for experiential learning, and multi-sensory, object-based exploration. We connect children and families to transformational experiences and ideas in the areas of literacy, art, music, nutrition, and fitness to enhance the development of healthy and successful futures. We support parents, caregivers, educators, community partners, and local artisans in the development of and introduction to local opportunities for our youngest citizens.
FREE ACCESS FOR EVERYONE
Centennial Park Conservancy strives to provide free access to arts and educational programming for everyone in our community. Our Kidsville program presents 100 events annually without cost as a barrier to entry. By offering free programming, we can serve and enrich the lives of everyone in our community.
Architecture Tours
Architecture Tours
First Tuesday & Thursday of the month at 3 PM (subject to change, see Calendar)
First and third Saturdays of the month at 10 AM (subject to change, see Calendar)
Free for CPC members, admission required for non-members
45 minutes
The Nashville Parthenon, originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, is a replica of the historic Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Built between 447 and 438 BCE in the Age of Pericles, the Parthenon was dedicated to the city's patron deity, Athena. This magnificent temple would become the largest Doric Greek temple, although it was innovative in that it mixed the two architectural styles of Doric and Ionic.
Learn the story of over 2,500 years of architectural history in approximately 45 minutes during our Architecture Tours. You’ll discover the curves and refinements that make the structure an architectural masterpiece, identify architectural sculptures, and see incredible architectural details.
This program takes place outside the museum entrance and involves Subject to cancellation due to weather.
This program meets at the Parthenon and takes place both outside and inside the Parthenon. Some exterior-only versions take place outside the Parthenon.
The tour involves walking, looking up, climbing steps, and crouching down.
Participation is free for Centennial Park Conservancy members, or included with museum admission for non-members.
Upcoming tour times and dates are listed on the Calendar.
If you cannot attend an Architecture Tour, we highly recommend our Exterior Architecture Audio Tour available 24/7!
Sketching the Marbles
Sketching the Marbles
Thursdays 4-6 PM (subject to change, see Calendar)
Final Friday of the month from 2-4 PM (subject to change, see Calendar)
Free for CPC members, admission required for non-members
Drop in for as long or as little as you like, two hours maximum
For centuries, artists have drawn the Parthenon’s pediment sculptures. Join us for special art sessions to create your own classical masterpiece. Sketching the Marbles is held on the final Friday afternoon of each month, as well as every other Tuesday evening. Check our Calendar for exact dates and times.
Recommended for ages 12 and older.
This program takes place in the Treasury.
All supplies are included— but you are welcome to bring your own.
Participation is free for Centennial Park Conservancy members, or included with museum admission.
The most updated times and dates are listed on the Calendar.
Love to draw, but not able to make it to museum soon? Try your hand at creating Parthenon art— from home! Browse our Parthenon Create video playlist on our YouTube channel.
THANK YOU TO JERRY’S ARTARAMA FOR PROVIDING ART SUPPLIES!
Centennial Park History Tour
Centennial Park History Tour: Tennessee Centennial Exposition
Wednesdays at 10 AM, seasonally May-October (subject to change, see Calendar)
Free for CPC Members and the public
30 minutes
Approx. 0.3 miles
See Centennial Park as you never have before thanks to archival images and artifacts from the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition.
On this short outdoor tour, you’ll hear stories of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition and find specific places in the park to see the 1897 Parthenon and help you picture the past. The tour features archival photographs and images of artifacts from the Exposition.
This program meets at the Parthenon and takes place outside in Centennial Park.
The tour involves walking on paved and unpaved surfaces for a total of 0.3 miles.
Recommended for ages 6 and older.
Participation is free.
This program takes place outside the museum entrance and involves walking, stopping, standing, and holding papers. Subject to cancellation due to weather.
The most updated times and dates are listed on the Calendar.
After the tour, we recommend visiting the museum to view the Centennial Exposition Gallery permanent exhibit on Level 1 of the Parthenon (museum admission is required to entire the museum).
AIA-Nashville Society
Book Club
In partnership with the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society, the Parthenon hosts free book club gatherings quarterly. Please check the Calendar for more information about upcoming book club gatherings and be sure to RSVP via SignUp Genius to reserve your spot. This free book club is open to all— all are welcome!
Mention “Book Club” at the Ticket Counter, receive free admission, and proceed to the Treasury on Level 2 for the friendly, informal discussion.
Looking to purchase the book? Head over to Parnassus Books and mention the Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society Book Club at the Parthenon for a 10% discount. AIA-Nashville Society Book Club selections will be available in the Parthenon Museum Store soon!
2023 & 2024 BOOK CLUB DATES:
Monday, February 5, 2024: Digging for Richard III by Mike Pitts
Monday, May 6: Pandora's Jar by Natalie Haynes
Monday, August 5: The Art of the Con: the Most Notorious Fakes, Frauds, and Forgeries in the Art World by Anthony M. Amore
Monday, November 4: Pericles and Aspasia by Yvonne Korshak
BOOK CLUB SPONSOR: AIA-Nashville Society
The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) promotes archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past to foster an appreciation of diverse cultures and our shared humanity. The AIA supports archaeologists, their research and its dissemination, and the ethical practice of archaeology. The AIA educates people of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery and advocates for the preservation of the world’s archaeological heritage. Learn more.
ADDITIONAL BOOK CLUB SPONSORS:
Centennial Park Conservancy
Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation
MNPS STEAM Night
Each year, the Parthenon applies to be a STEAM Expedition partner with MNPS, and this successful partnership has connected the Parthenon with more than 10,000 local sixth graders over the past four years. MNPS STEAM Nights at the Parthenon include special activity stations and programs designed to explore Greek mythology, architecture, and color in ancient Greece.
STEAM Nights at the Parthenon were developed to extend the invitation to all Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) students, staff, and faculty— along with their families— to the museum every summer. Four STEAM Nights are organized to activate the museum through programs, tours, and talks as well as connect local families and educators with museum experts, artists, archaeologists, and more.
Please check the Calendar for details about upcoming STEAM Nights and the special programs planned each month.
No registration is needed. Simply arrive anytime between 4:30-6:30 PM on a designated STEAM Night and inform Ticket Counter staff that you are a “MNPS family” to receive free admission for your entire group.
Every visitor is welcome to pick up a museum brochure, Kidsville Guide to the Parthenon, and a MNPS STEAM Night handout available with information about free summer offerings.
2024 STEAM Nights:
May 14
July 9
September 10
STEAM NIGHT PARTNERSHIP
The Parthenon partners with MNPS and MNPS STEAM to invite all students, staff, and faculty to the museum. A big thank you to the MNPS STEAM, PENCIL, and the MNPS Communications teams who not only coordinate field trips for thousands of students but also help us spread the word and support this opportunity for our Nashville neighbors.
STEAM NIGHT SPONSORS:
Centennial Park Conservancy
Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day (IAD) is a celebration of archaeology and its contributions to society. Every October the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and archaeological organizations around the world 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, or a presentation from a visiting archaeologist, the interactive, hands-on IAD programs provide a chance to uncover the past and experience the thrill of discovery.
International Archaeology Day ToURS & Activity Stations:
Each year on International Archaeology Day, visit the Parthenon to meet real archaeologists, learn about artifacts, and try your hand at a variety of archaeological activities to earn your very own “Official Archaeologist of the Nashville Parthenon” badge.
IAD includes a designated Quiet Area and a task analysis for each activity station.
Participation is free for Centennial Park Conservancy members, AIA members, or included with museum admission. Mention “International Archaeology Day” at the Ticket Counter for special IAD discounts.
Plan ahead! Upcoming International Archaeology Days:
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Symposia
The Nashville Parthenon hosts free talks and lectures on art or ancient civilizations throughout the year. Please check the Calendar to register for all upcoming Symposia.
March 19, 2024 — Artist Talk with Duncan McDaniel
May 21, 2024 — The Parthenon, a Pyramid, and Ancient Architecture at the Tennessee Centennial of 1897 with Liz Macaulay
August 19, 2024— Layers of Meanings in Benjamin West’s Neoclassical Venus and Cupid with Vivien Fryd
Select recordings of past Symposia are available on the Parthenon Symposia video playlist on our YouTube channel.
SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS:
The Parthenon would like to thank the following organizations that provide underwriting support for its exhibition and educational programming, including Symposia, through grants and corporate partnerships with Centennial Park Conservancy. Individuals can support the Parthenon by making a donation or becoming a member of Centennial Park Conservancy. Learn more.
Humanities Tennessee, Amazon, the Sandra Schatten Foundation, HCA Healthcare Foundation, Tennessee Arts Commission, Hays Foundation, and Advance Financial Foundation
ADDITIONAL SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS:
Archaeological Institute of America-Nashville Society
Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation
ECHO
ECHO, an engaging music series presented by Centennial Park Conservancy, features new chamber music composed and arranged for the unique reverb of the Parthenon Naos and performed in front of the 42-foot statue of Athena. The ECHO program presents both live in-person performances throughout the year as well as audio/visual recordings available for download or streaming called, The Parthenon Sessions. These sessions capture songwriters and string ensembles in a multi-tracked audio and video experience.
ECHO is made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Integrum Wealth, the Parthenon, and Metro Parks
Opening Receptions
Nashville Earth Day
Celebrate Nashville Earth Day in beautiful Centennial Park every April with the Parthenon’s nonprofit friends group, Centennial Park Conservancy!
Inclusive Resources
Plan and prepare for your Nashville Parthenon visit with inclusive resources perfect for all ages and abilities, including visitation tips, visual rules, social narratives, and a visual schedule. Download these free resources on our Accessibility page.
Virtual Museum
Did you know you can explore the Nashville Parthenon digitally! A Virtual Museum Tour, Ask an Expert, digital exhibitions, and videos can be found in the Virtual Museum section of the Education page.
Stay Connected
We would love to hear about your visit!
Tag us #NashvilleParthenon
Facebook: @NashvilleParthenon
Instagram: @NashvilleParthenon
Twitter: @NashParthenon
YouTube: Nashville Parthenon
For questions or additional information about Nashville Parthenon programs, contact the Director of Education at Helen.Sanders@nashville.gov.
These projects are being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.