The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Tennessee
In Nashville, about a 15-minute drive from downtown, the Parthenon in Centennial Park stands as a breathtaking full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple. This imposing structure, rebuilt in the 1920s for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, serves as a striking symbol of classical architecture and cultural ambition. Visitors can explore the interior to see the enormous statue of Athena, recreated with the same meticulous attention to detail as the original in Athens. The Parthenon’s grand columns, sculpted friezes, and perfectly proportioned dimensions make it a rare chance to experience classical antiquity in the heart of the American South. Early morning or late afternoon light casts dramatic shadows on the columns, enhancing the temple’s timeless aura.
Heading to Memphis, about a 10-minute drive from the city center, Sun Studio offers a unique glimpse into the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll through its unassuming but historically rich building. The studio itself is a modest, brick structure from the 1950s, but its architectural charm lies in its plainness, standing in stark contrast to the legendary music history that unfolded inside. Guided tours let visitors walk through the original recording rooms, framed by vintage soundproof glass and original equipment setups. The intimacy of the space, combined with the stories of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King, transforms the architecture into a live monument to creative innovation. Evening visits add an eerie, reflective mood as the Memphis skyline glows softly nearby.
In Franklin, just south of Nashville, the Carnton Plantation is a sprawling antebellum estate that embodies the elegance and tragedy of Southern architecture before and after the Civil War. The mansion’s Federal style, with its tall windows, symmetrical layout, and intricate woodwork, invites visitors to imagine life on the plantation during the 19th century. The house’s design also incorporates later Victorian influences, visible in the decorative brackets and porch details added after the war. Walking through its rooms and the surrounding gardens, one encounters not just architecture but a deeply human story, as Carnton served as a field hospital after the Battle of Franklin. Fall is an ideal time to visit, when the foliage frames the stately home in fiery reds and ambers, heightening the sense of history and place.
Over in Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art is perched dramatically on an 80-foot bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and downtown skyline, about a 10-minute drive from the city center. The museum’s architecture is an exhilarating fusion of a historic mansion and a sleek, modern glass-and-steel addition designed by Randall Stout. This contrast highlights the evolution of American architectural styles and allows visitors to admire both the stately 1904 Colonial Revival structure and the dynamic contemporary wing through which natural light floods the galleries. The site’s elevated position offers spectacular panoramic views, especially as the sun sets over the river valley. Visiting in late afternoon ensures the best light for both appreciating the architecture and the river vistas.
In Knoxville, about a 20-minute drive west of the University of Tennessee campus, the Tennessee Theatre is a lavish example of 1920s movie palace design. Its opulent interior, with soaring ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and a dazzling chandelier, transports visitors back to the golden age of cinema. The exterior features a terra-cotta facade with ornate detailing that captures the optimism and craftsmanship of early 20th-century theater architecture. Catching a show here, whether a concert, film, or stage production, allows one to experience the space as it was meant to be—alive and vibrant. Evening performances under the glow of the marquee add to the theater’s enchanting atmosphere.
In the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, about 45 minutes from Knoxville, the Mingus Mill offers a rustic, functional example of early 20th-century industrial architecture nestled in the natural landscape. This water-powered gristmill, built in 1886, stands out for its use of local materials and its integration with the forested mountain environment. Visitors can see the massive wooden gears and grinding stones in motion during demonstrations, framed by a sturdy timber frame and stone foundation. The mill’s location along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail provides a scenic backdrop that underscores the rural ingenuity and resourcefulness embedded in its design. Springtime, when wildflowers bloom and the nearby creek runs high with snowmelt, is the most picturesque season to visit.
In Memphis, the Lorraine Motel—now part of the National Civil Rights Museum—preserves mid-century modern architecture with a deeply powerful resonance. Located downtown, it’s just steps from Beale Street. The motel’s clean lines, flat roof, and functional style typify 1960s roadside design, but the site’s significance stems from its connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. The museum’s exhibits and the preserved balcony area evoke a solemn reflection on the struggle for civil rights. Visiting during daylight hours allows guests to fully absorb the architecture alongside the moving historical narrative, while also exploring the nearby historic district’s blend of Victorian and revival styles.
Traveling to Lynchburg, about an hour south of Nashville, the Old Moore County Courthouse stands as a charming example of Greek Revival architecture in a small-town setting. The courthouse’s white columns, pedimented gables, and symmetrical facade echo the democratic aspirations of 19th-century America. This building is particularly memorable because it anchors the quaint town center, surrounded by historic shops and cafes, creating a harmonious sense of place. Visitors can admire its elegant simplicity while learning about the local judicial history that played out within its walls. Spring and early summer bring the town’s cherry blossoms and garden blooms into harmony with the courthouse’s crisp white paint, making for an inviting stroll through history.
Lastly, in the Natchez Trace Parkway near Nashville, the Meriwether Lewis Monument commemorates the famed explorer with a striking carved limestone column that stands out against the rolling green hills about 30 minutes south of the city. While not a building, this monument’s classical design reflects early American neoclassical tastes and is set within a thoughtfully landscaped area perfect for a contemplative walk. The surrounding trail offers gentle hiking and sweeping views of the Tennessee River Valley, allowing visitors to connect the spirit of exploration embodied by Lewis with the natural beauty that inspired it. Late spring, when wildflowers carpet the fields, is the best time to experience the monument’s tranquil atmosphere.