Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Tennessee Performing Arts Center: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide to Nashville’s Historic Arts Landmark

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is an enduring symbol of the city’s vibrant cultural spirit and commitment to artistic excellence. Since opening its doors in 1980, TPAC has become a hub for world-class performances, innovative arts education, and dynamic community engagement. Visitors can expect a rich lineup of Broadway shows, ballet, opera, theater, and family programming, all housed within architecturally significant venues. This comprehensive guide details TPAC’s history, resident companies, visitor amenities, ticketing options, accessibility features, and nearby attractions—ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and fulfilling arts experience. For the latest on visiting hours, event schedules, and tickets, always consult the official TPAC website.

Founding and Development
TPAC Venues and Resident Companies
Programming: Broadway & Beyond
Arts Education and Community Engagement
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Essential Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions and Nashville Historical Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Internal and External Links
Lasting Significance and Call to Action
References

Founding and Development

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center emerged from the vision of philanthropist Martha Ingram, who, inspired by her work with the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., sought to create a world-class performing arts hub for Nashville. After surpassing an initial fundraising goal and securing over $5 million in private donations, TPAC was constructed alongside the James K. Polk State Office Building and the Tennessee State Museum, establishing a cultural nucleus in downtown Nashville (TPAC Our Story; TennesseePAC.com).

TPAC operates as a public-private partnership under the TPAC Management Corporation, a nonprofit tasked with providing affordable venues for resident companies and arts education for Tennessee’s schoolchildren (TPAC Our Story). Since its grand opening in 1980—with inaugural performances by the Nashville Symphony and Circle Players—it has welcomed millions of visitors and become a cornerstone for the performing arts in Tennessee.

TPAC Venues and Resident Companies

Venues

Andrew Jackson Hall: The largest venue, seating 2,472, ideal for major Broadway tours and concerts.
James K. Polk Theater: With 1,075 seats, this venue hosts opera, ballet, and dramatic theater.
Andrew Johnson Theater: A black box space for up to 250 guests, perfect for experimental and intimate performances.
War Memorial Auditorium: Located across the street, this historic, neoclassical venue seats 1,661 and features exceptional acoustics (Old Town Trolley Tours; Nashville Downtown Partnership).

Resident Companies

Nashville Ballet: Tennessee’s largest professional ballet company, offering classical and contemporary works, community engagement, and educational outreach for all ages (Nashville Ballet).
Nashville Opera: Known for innovative productions and educational programs, this company performs both classic and contemporary repertory (Nashville Opera).
Nashville Repertory Theatre: The city’s leading regional theater, presenting musicals, dramas, and new works, and supporting the development of local talent (Nashville Repertory Theatre).

Programming: Broadway & Beyond

TPAC is celebrated for its HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, bringing acclaimed Broadway productions to Nashville audiences. The 2025–2026 season includes “The Wiz,” “The Outsiders,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Suffs,” “Back to the Future,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Water For Elephants,” and a return engagement of “Hamilton” (JHP Entertainment; Broadway World). TPAC’s calendar also features dance, music, comedy, and special family programming, supporting both national tours and local arts organizations (TPAC Our Story).

Arts Education and Community Engagement

TPAC is a national model for arts education, impacting more than two million students, educators, and adults since 1980 (tnartseducation.org). Signature programs include:

Season for Young People: Live theater experiences for children across all 95 Tennessee counties.
Wolf Trap Early Learning: Integrating the arts into preschool education.
Disney Musicals in Schools: Building arts programs in under-resourced schools.
Spotlight Awards: Recognizing outstanding high school theater students statewide.
InsideOut: Adult enrichment with workshops and behind-the-scenes access.
Professional Development: Training for educators to integrate arts into lessons.

TPAC’s community partnerships ensure that subsidized or free tickets are available to diverse audiences, with special attention to inclusive arts and accessibility (tpac.org/inclusive-arts).

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

TPAC prioritizes accessibility and comfort for all guests:

Physical Access: Wheelchair seating, ramps, elevators, and accessible parking and valet (tpac.org/inclusive-arts).
Sensory and Communication Aids: Assisted listening devices, open captioning, ASL interpretation, audio description, and large print/Braille programs.
Security and Policies: Small bags permitted after security screening, with detailed guidelines on the TPAC site.
Visitor Services: Personalized assistance at the box office and online resources to help plan your visit.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Box Office Hours: Typically Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM. On performance days, the box office remains open until 30 minutes after showtime (TPAC Plan Your Visit; TPAC tickets page).
Tickets: Purchase securely online, by phone, or in person. Prices range from $25 for smaller events to $150+ for premium Broadway seats, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups.
Will Call: Tickets can be collected at the box office; bring ID and purchase confirmation.
Venue Entry: Doors open about one hour before showtime. Allow time for parking and security screening.

Essential Visitor Tips

Purchase tickets early, especially for high-demand Broadway performances.
Review seating charts before booking.
Plan for downtown parking—valet is available for $44, and garages fill up quickly on event nights.
Dress code is typically smart casual; comfort is encouraged.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to account for parking, security, and finding your seat.
Concessions, restrooms, and merchandise stands are available on site.

Nearby Attractions and Nashville Historical Sites

Enhance your visit with nearby cultural and historical landmarks:

Ryman Auditorium: The “Mother Church of Country Music.”
Tennessee State Museum: Showcasing Tennessee’s rich history.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: A must-see for music fans.
Johnny Cash Museum: Celebrating the life of the legendary musician.
Nashville Public Library, War Memorial Auditorium, and Riverfront Park: All within walking distance.

Downtown Nashville also features renowned restaurants, shopping, and nightlife—perfect for pre- or post-show experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are TPAC’s visiting hours?
A: The box office is open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM. Venues open one hour before performances.

Q: Where can I buy TPAC tickets?
A: Purchase online at the TPAC website, by phone, or in person at the box office.

Q: Are there ticket discounts?
A: Yes, for students, seniors, and groups. See event pages for details.

Q: Is TPAC accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with comprehensive services including wheelchair access, assistive listening, open captioning, ASL interpretation, and more (TPAC Accessibility).

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Ryman Auditorium, the Tennessee State Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, and more.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

For an enhanced experience, explore virtual tours and galleries on the TPAC website, featuring images of the theaters, performances, and educational programs. All visual content uses descriptive alt tags optimized for search visibility (e.g., “Tennessee Performing Arts Center visiting hours,” “TPAC tickets”).

Internal and External Links

Internal:

External:
All cited sources appear at the end of this article as clickable links.

Lasting Significance and Call to Action

For over four decades, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center has shaped Nashville’s identity as a southern capital of the arts—merging tradition with innovation, and fostering creativity, education, and inclusivity. With the planned construction of a new, state-of-the-art performance home by internationally acclaimed architects (ArchDaily), TPAC’s future is brighter than ever. Plan your visit by checking the latest show calendar, secure your tickets online, and download the Audiala app for updates and exclusive content. Follow TPAC on social media to stay connected with Nashville’s artistic heartbeat.