War Memorial Auditorium (Nashville, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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War Memorial Auditorium
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the War Memorial Auditorium in 2005
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 301 6th Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee |
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| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Edward Emmett Dougherty |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 100001822 |
| Added to NRHP | November 16, 2017 |
The War Memorial Auditorium is a special building in Nashville, Tennessee. It's a performance hall that can hold about 2,000 people. It was built in 1925 and has a rich history.
For a few years, from 1939 to 1943, it was even home to the famous Grand Ole Opry. People also call it the War Memorial Building or the Tennessee War Memorial. It's right across from the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and next to the Tennessee State Capitol. In 2017, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance.
A Look Back: The History of the War Memorial Auditorium
Why the Memorial Was Built
After World War I ended, many groups in Tennessee wanted to honor the soldiers who had died. They planned to build a special memorial in Nashville. The Tennessee Historical Society and veterans groups were key in starting this idea.
The state government also needed more office space. So, they decided to combine these two needs into one big project.
Choosing the Location and Funding
There was a discussion about where to build it. Some thought it should be near the Parthenon in Centennial Park. However, Governor Albert H. Roberts wanted it closer to the Tennessee State Capitol.
The state bought land near the Capitol for the building. A law, called the Tennessee Memorial Act, made sure the names of the 3,400 Tennesseans who died in World War I would be carved on the building's outside. The project cost over $2.5 million. The city of Nashville, Davidson County, and the state of Tennessee all helped pay for it.
Designing the Building
A group of architects held a competition to find the best design. Edward Emmett Dougherty, an architect from Nashville, won. He designed the memorial in a classical style.
The building has an auditorium and an office section. In the middle, there's a beautiful courtyard called the "Court of Honor." This courtyard has columns and an entrance that looks like ancient Greek buildings. Above the main steps, there's a powerful quote from President Woodrow Wilson:
AMERICA IS PRIVILEGED TO SPEND HER BLOOD AND HER MIGHT FOR THE PRINCIPLES THAT GAVE HER BIRTH AND HAPPINESS AND THE PEACE WHICH SHE HAS TREASURED. WOODROW WILSON
President Wilson said these words in 1917 when he asked Congress to declare war. He knew the war would be difficult but believed it was important for America's values.
The Dedication Day
The War Memorial Building was officially opened on September 21, 1925. During the ceremony, World War I hero Sgt. Alvin C. York was a special guest. The band played "Dixie" as he walked down the aisle.
Art and Monuments Around the Building
The auditorium originally had seats for 2,200 people. It was known for its amazing design and great sound. In the center of the courtyard stands a heroic statue called "Youth." It holds a small statue of Nike, which represents victory. Belle Kinney Scholz created this statue.
Around the large plaza in front of the building, you can find other important monuments. There are memorials for the Korean War (built in 1992) and the Vietnam War (built in 1986). The military part of the Tennessee State Museum is also located on the ground floor of the building.
Home of the Grand Ole Opry
From 1939 to 1943, the War Memorial Auditorium was the fourth home of the Grand Ole Opry. Many famous country music stars became part of the Opry family during this time, including Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe, and Minnie Pearl.
In 2010, the main Grand Ole Opry House flooded. So, the Opry returned to the War Memorial Auditorium for performances. It was the first time in over 66 years! The auditorium continued to host the Opry until their main building was repaired.
Awards and Important Visitors
In 1925, the building received a Gold Medal Award from the American Institute of Architecture (AIA). This is the highest honor the AIA can give. Over the years, the War Memorial Auditorium has hosted three United States Presidents, one Vice President, and many Tennessee Governor inaugurations. It has also welcomed countless artists from all kinds of music.
The Auditorium Today
What It's Like Inside
Today, the auditorium is still a popular place for performances. It can be set up with an open floor for standing or with seats. It has a wooden stage and a proscenium arch. The ceiling is decorated with cool square patterns in an art deco style.
Famous Performances and Recordings
Many famous events have happened here. Charlie Daniels held his first Volunteer Jam concert here in 1974. It featured musicians from The Allman Brothers Band. The venue has also been seen in music videos, like Carrie Underwood's "Don't Forget to Remember Me" (2006) and Jewel's "Satisfied" (2010).
Bands like Mumford & Sons, Jason Mraz, and The Dead Weather have performed here. In 2010, Live from the Artists Den filmed Robert Plant and the Band of Joy performing live at the auditorium for a DVD.
The building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 as the Tennessee War Memorial.
See also
- Blue Cross Arena, formerly known as "Rochester War Memorial Auditorium"
- War Memorial Stadium
- Memorial Auditorium
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Davidson County, Tennessee
