Immerse yourself in Nashville's thriving arts scene, where history, creativity, and culture come together in unexpected ways.
Before Nashville became known as "Music City," it earned the nickname "Athens of the South." This title dates back to the 1850s, thanks to the city's numerous colleges and universities, as well as its distinction as the first southern city to establish a public school system. In celebration of Tennessee's centennial in 1897, Nashville constructed a temporary replica of the Greek Parthenon to honor its classical connections. The city loved it so much that they decided to make it a permanent fixture. Now, visitors can explore The Parthenon in Centennial Park, which houses an impressive collection of art like Athena by Alan LeQuire.
Nashville’s art scene continues to evolve, with a rich array of galleries and museums offering something for everyone. The Frist Art Museum, located in a stunning Art Deco building that was once Nashville’s main post office, is the heartbeat of the city’s visual arts community. Although it doesn’t have a permanent collection, the museum consistently features a dynamic roster of rotating exhibitions, making every visit a new experience.
For those eager to dive deeper into the local art world, experience a Nashville Art Crawl. More than 50 local galleries and art spaces showcase a diverse range of work from both emerging local artists and renowned international talents. Popular venues such as Tinney Contemporary, known for its contemporary exhibitions, and Rymer Gallery, which features cutting-edge art across various mediums, are regular participants. Other spots like The Arts Company and The Gallery at the Arcade offer an eclectic mix of visual art that spans from traditional to modern. An Art Crawl provides a great opportunity to meet fellow art lovers, chat with artists, and experience the city’s artistic community firsthand.
Beyond the art crawl, art enthusiasts will find plenty of other treasures across the city. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, for example, showcases world-class collections of American and English contemporary art. Meanwhile, the LeQuire Gallery & Studio features sculptures and paintings by renowned artist Alan LeQuire, the Musica sculpture on Music Row creator, and the Athena Parthenos within The Parthenon. With over 75 art galleries in Nashville, there’s always something new to discover.
Nashville’s performing arts scene offers a range of experiences for those interested in theater, music, and dance. Whether you prefer Broadway shows, live symphonic performances, or contemporary art, the city has something to offer.
The Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a central hub for theater in Nashville, presenting a variety of Broadway productions, touring musicals, and plays each year. TPAC is also home to the Nashville Ballet, where visitors can enjoy both classical and modern dance performances, and the Nashville Opera, known for its compelling renditions of classic operas. The Nashville Repertory Theatre presents a diverse selection of works, from new plays to more established productions. Or venture 20-30 minutes south and experience Broadway musicals at Studio Tenn.
For a more experimental experience, OZ Arts Nashville provides a space for contemporary performances exploring innovative art and performance approaches. It’s a venue where dance, theater, music, and visual art often intersect, offering unique experiences that challenge traditional formats.
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, home to the Nashville Symphony, is another must-see. This acoustically impressive venue hosts various performances, from classical works to modern compositions. The Grammy-award-winning Nashville Symphony presents a robust calendar of yearly performances, featuring renowned conductors and collaborations with guest artists.
