War Memorial Auditorium (Nashville, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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War Memorial Auditorium
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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 large building in Nashville, Tennessee. It has about 2,000 seats for performances. Built in 1925, it was once home to the famous Grand Ole Opry from 1939 to 1943. People also call it the War Memorial Building or the Tennessee War Memorial. It stands near the Tennessee State Capitol building. In 2017, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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Why Was the War Memorial Auditorium Built?
After World War I ended, people in Tennessee wanted to honor the soldiers who died. Groups like the Tennessee Historical Society and veterans started planning a special building. They wanted a place to remember the soldiers and also to have offices for the state government.
How Did the Building Project Start?
Governor Albert H. Roberts supported building it near the State Capitol. In 1919, a law called the Tennessee Memorial Act was passed. This law allowed the state to buy land for the building. It also said that parks would be built next to it. Most importantly, the names of 3,400 Tennesseans who died in World War I would be carved on the building's outside walls.
Who Paid for the War Memorial?
Building the War Memorial cost more than $2.5 million. The city of Nashville gave $600,000. Davidson County added $1,000,000, and the state of Tennessee gave another $1,000,000. This shows how important the project was to everyone.
Who Designed the War Memorial Auditorium?
A special committee chose the architect for the building. They held a competition, and Edward Emmett Dougherty from Nashville won. He designed the memorial in a classical style. It has an auditorium and an office area, separated by a special courtyard.
What Does the Design Look Like?
The central courtyard has tall columns, like ancient Greek buildings. Above the front steps, there's a carving with a quote from President Woodrow Wilson. He said these words in 1917, when the United States was about to join World War I. He spoke about America's duty to fight for freedom and peace.
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
When Was the Building Finished?
The War Memorial Building was officially opened on September 21, 1925. During the ceremony, Alvin C. York, a hero from Tennessee in World War I, was honored.
What Special Features Does the Auditorium Have?
The auditorium was designed to hold about 2,200 people. It has amazing design features and almost perfect sound quality. In the center of the courtyard, there is a statue called "Youth." This statue holds a small figure of Nike, which means victory. Belle Kinney Scholz created this statue. She also made the Confederate Women's Monument nearby.
What Other Monuments Are Nearby?
In front of the War Memorial, there are monuments to other wars. You can find memorials for the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The military part of the Tennessee State Museum is also on the ground floor of the building. In 1925, the building received a Gold Medal Award from the American Institute of Architects. This is a very high honor for a building's design.
The War Memorial and the Grand Ole Opry
From 1939 to 1943, the War Memorial Auditorium was the fourth home of the Grand Ole Opry. This famous country music show moved here before going to the larger Ryman Auditorium. Many famous Opry stars, like Ernest Tubb and Minnie Pearl, joined the Opry family during its time at the War Memorial.
The Opry's Return to the War Memorial
In 2010, the main Grand Ole Opry House flooded. Because of this, the Opry returned to the War Memorial Auditorium for some shows. It was the first time they performed there in over 66 years! The War Memorial helped host the Opry until its usual home was fixed.
What Else Has Happened at the War Memorial?
The area around the War Memorial Building has changed a lot over the years. It was once called Memorial Square. The building has welcomed three United States Presidents during their campaigns. It has also hosted many Tennessee Governor Inaugurations. Plus, countless artists from all kinds of music have performed there.
What Happens at the War Memorial Today?
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 beautiful ceiling with square art deco designs.
Famous Performances and Appearances
Many well-known artists have performed at the War Memorial. Charlie Daniels held his first "Volunteer Jam" here in 1974. This event featured members of The Allman Brothers Band. The venue has also appeared in music videos, like Carrie Underwood's "Don't Forget to Remember Me" and Jewel's "Satisfied." Bands like Mumford & Sons and The Dead Weather have played there too. In 2010, Live from the Artists Den filmed a performance by Robert Plant and the Band of Joy at the auditorium.
The building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
