Centennial Park Conservancy

Description

The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park began in 1982 as the Athena Fund. Its original purpose was to raise funds to recreate the statue Athena, which stood in the ancient Greek Parthenon. This project led to further funding for the gilding of Athena and complete restoration of the miniature Pediment Sculptures. The Conservancy created a Docent Program and supports Parthenon educational programs, symposia speaker series, ongoing exhibits, Greek theatre and special projects. In 2006, The Conservancy began a cultural exchange with Greece to connect Nashville's Parthenon with the ancient Parthenon, the New Acropolis Museum, Benaki Museum and the city of Athens. We have welcomed the Greek Ambassador to Nashville; the Onassis Foundation sent a theatrical troupe to perform at the feet of Athena; and the Benaki Museum of Athens sent an exhibition from its private collection. The Conservancy mission has expanded to include a commitment to enhancing, restoring and preserving Centennial Park. We gained National Register status for Centennial Park and have begun to work toward restoring our outdoor monuments with historic integrity and authenticity.