The Centennial Park Conservancy is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1985, originally to raise funds for the construction of the Athena Parthenos replica statue inside the Parthenon. It has grown to focus on the protection and revitalization of the Parthenon and its surrounding public park. The CPC also helps organize community events on the park grounds, including the Musicians’ Corner performances, held since 2010. Other projects from the Centennial Park Conservancy include Nashville Earth Day and ECHO.
Justin Branam and Justin Tam are the Centennial Park Conservancy’s Vice Presidents for Programming and Park Partnerships, respectively, and after the Parthenon’s months-long renovation, they are eager to resume using the beloved landmark for educational and cultural enrichment. The Parthenon is a perfect and complete replica of the ancient structure in Athens, so the CPC particularly enjoys bringing schoolchildren to the Parthenon to learn about the architecture and civilization of Ancient Greece. In addition to Musicians’ Corner in the park, the Parthenon hosts classical music performances that aim to perfectly complement the acoustic qualities of the temple.
The Centennial Park Conservancy has over the past fifteen years raised more than 60 million dollars to embark on a multi-phase plan to revitalize the park. The third phase will culminated August 29th, with the opening of a new pavilion on the north face of the Parthenon, as well as a cafe that will garner more funds for the CPC. They also look forward to hosting Free Fest next weekend in partnership with Lightning 100 to showcase talented local artists. Centennial Park and the Parthenon serves as a gathering place for all of Nashville, and the CPC is dedicated to ensuring it thrives for and with Nashvillians.
