The home of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra is a master class in modern acoustical engineering, with a charm that harkens to the world’s best halls.
With its magnificent appearance, it is hard to believe that the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is not even 20 years old. Modeled on the great European concert halls, the center nonetheless has thoroughly modern acoustical innovations that attest to its very contemporary outlook. Opened in 2006, the center is the home of the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra and hosts a full season of classical concerts in addition to a yearly slate of pop and other performances. If the honky-tonks are too rowdy or a simple change of pace is needed, visit the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for refined high culture.
Pause before joining the crowds at the entrance to appreciate the Modern Classical design of the building, which places it in a family with the Tennessee State Capitol, the Nashville Public Library and the city’s full-size Parthenon replica.
Throughout the building, spot the subtle incorporation of symbols on the railings, canopies and keystones, including the Tennessee iris, Laura Turner’s horseshoes and coffee beans that evoke Maxwell House Coffee. Dine at one of downtown Nashville’s fine restaurants before arriving or have a quick meal at the on-site café.
Continue into the hall itself, whose shoebox shape creates nearly surround-sound acoustics. Notice the large windows, illuminating the room with natural light. On a symphony evening, look down from the upper tier onto the orchestra level seats for other events, these can be hidden away with an ingenious motorized system that replaces the seats with an ornate hickory and cherry ballroom floor, perfect for waltzing all night.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame and a block from the honky-tonks of Broadway. Walk from Riverfront train station in 5 minutes. Parking in the area can be limited, especially on weekends, but the center offers a pre-paid parking garage as well as valet service.
The box office is open from midmorning to evening from Monday to Friday and on Saturday afternoons. An event ticket is necessary to enter the building.
