Centennial Centerpiece

Written by Melissa Mahanes and Centennial Park Conservancy / Photos by David Dobson

The Parthenon and Centennial Park have been an essential part of Nashville’s fabric for over a century. The Parthenon’s original construction from 1897, as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, so perfectly embodied Nashville’s nickname of “The Athens of the South” that the crumbling temporary structure was torn down and rebuilt beginning in 1920. Local architect Russell Hart spearheaded the project with architectural historian William Bell Dinsmoor as a consultant. Sculptor George Julian Zolnay, who had created the pedimental sculptures on the 1897 Parthenon, returned to make the metopes of the Doric frieze. Nashville sculptor Belle Kinney and her Austrian-born husband Leopold Scholz were hired to create the permanent pediment figures. To assist them in creating figures as close to the original as possible, the Park Board purchased from the Victoria and Albert Museum a set of casts of the original marble fragments. Work on the exterior of the building was completed by 1925, where the Parthenon prominently sits on the 132-acre Centennial Park.

To provide the necessary financial support for the Parthenon, Centennial Park Conservancy was founded in 1985 as the Athena Foundation to raise money to build the 42-foot statue of Athena inside the Parthenon. Primary construction was completed in the mid-1990s, and the project was fully completed in 2002 when the statue was gilded. CPC then became the nonprofit support group for the Parthenon and expanded its mission in 2005 to encompass supporting the entire Park. In 2010, the organization embarked on a decade of significant growth that began with the creation of the Park’s Master Plan, in partnership with the Metro Parks, to transform our city’s central park for the next century. CPC also introduced its signature fundraiser, the Conservancy Gala, to help raise funds to support the Park and to engage visitors through the delivery of free arts and educational programming. Today, the Park is visited by three million people annually, while the Parthenon is visited by 350,000.

Beginning in 2007, Sylvia Rapoport led Centennial Park Conservancy as President for 12 years. In 2019, Sylvia transitioned into a Founding President role focusing on the Gala and Capital Campaign, and John Tumminello was promoted from Vice President of Programming to President of the organization. John has been with the organization for 11 years, and during his tenure as President, CPC revenue has doubled from $1M in 2019 to a projected $2M in 2022.

Centennial Park Conservancy and Metro Nashville developed the Centennial Park Master Plan in 2010 to transform Nashville’s central park for the next century and beyond. Through a public-private partnership, two phases of improvements totaling $21M have already been completed. The $10M Park Plaza/Event Pavilion Phase and Children’s Memory Garden revitalization are currently underway. CPC also established the Centennial Park Maintenance Fund and raised over $250K to help Metro care for the Park.

CPC funds 100% of the Parthenon’s exhibition and education expenses that engage 400,000 people annually. CPC created the Parthenon Preservation Fund in 2021 and has raised over $250K to help Metro care for the historic building. CPC presents several popular arts and education programs that activate Centennial Park and provide accessible and inclusive programming to over 100,000 Nashville residents and visitors annually. Programs include Musician’s Corner, Kidsville, and Nashville Earth Day. In addition to CPC's programs, many other ongoing and annual community programs take place in Centennial Park, including Centennial Art Center, Centennial Performing Arts Studios, Celebrate Nashville, Tennessee Craft, and American Artisan Festival.

The Conservancy Gala has been Centennial Park Conservancy’s signature event since 2010, an enormous success as a fundraiser and party. Surprise, sizzle, and style have been their hallmarks, and as the Grand Finale Gala approaches, the 2022 chairs plan to celebrate its legacy as one of Nashville’s most creative events. Led by chairs Sandra Lipman and Laura Niewold, this year’s Gala at the Parthenon is set for November 5, 2022, and promises to be an unforgettable gathering and a showcase like no other. “We envision the Gala as a design experience, an explosion of tingly energy for the senses,” noted Lipman and Niewold. “Our Gala not only reflects the classic beauty and elegance of the Greek structure and magnificence of the surrounding green space but also the vast potential that lies within Centennial Park and its signature building. “The Sky’s the Limit was chosen as this year’s Gala theme to represent our commitment to a magical evening as well as recognition of our past Galas and our donors who have supported the Gala through the years, enabling the Conservancy to positively impact our community.”

Creativity has always been key, and this year’s Gala promises a spectacular showcase for the grand finale with an exceptional team to execute the chairs’ vision. Amos Gott, chief event architect with AmosEvents, is leading the Gala design. AmosEvents is a full-service planning and design firm that combines creativity, direction, florals, and production to execute unforgettable events. In addition, Kristen Winston Catering promises an exceptional food experience to celebrate the grand finale. Winston is known for considering catering an art form and creating innovative, delicious meals that enhance every event. This dream team led by Sandra and Laura will be an evening to remember.

Sylvia Rapoport, founding president of Centennial Park Conservancy and executive chair of the Gala, will be honored along with honorary chairs Nancy Peterson Hearn, Ellen Martin, Hope Stringer, and the late Clare Armistead. Denise Cummins Hopmayer is leading the silent auction. The auction will feature several one-of-akind items, experiences, and trips.

As CPC celebrates its Grand Finale, CPC is looking to the future. As part of a strategic planning process that included guidance from several nonprofit experts, the organization is moving away from hosting a major fundraising event as part of its development strategy. Instead, with inflation and event expenses rising dramatically, leadership will shift to an annual campaign with 100% of donors’ dollars going to support the organization’s mission. Centennial Park Conservancy is also introducing donor recognition receptions to continue engaging and expressing gratitude to its many generous supporters.

CPC underwrites its work through the generosity of individuals and corporate and foundation partners. Individual supporters can donate or become a member and receive perks like free Parthenon admission. Memberships range from $25 to $5,000. Corporations and Foundations can become CPC Partners and receive recognition with 500,000 annual visitors to the Parthenon, and CPC’s Musicians Corner, Kidsville, and Nashville Earth Day programs.