PERFORMING ARTS
Leading the way for performing arts in Clarksville-Montgomery County is Austin Peay State University’s Center for the Creative Arts. The Center, established in 1985, promotes a variety of musical and dance productions, recitals, concerts, theatrical performances, literary readings and art exhibitions. Most Center events are free and open to the public.
The Center annually produces more than 100 quality arts activities by faculty and regional and internationally acclaimed guest artists who bring change in arts awareness and understanding. Performances are held in the elegant European-style, 600-seat concert theatre of the music/mass communication building and in the more intimate atmosphere of the 200-seat Trahern Theatre.
Most Center Events are free and open to the public.
Another hallmark is Clarksville’s own Roxy Regional Theatre, located at 100 Franklin Street in historic downtown. The theatre is Clarksville’s oldest professional theatre and offers patrons a combination of professional company shows and community offerings. Housed in a 1947 art modern theatre, The Roxy produces 10 mainstage productions annually.
MUSEUMS
Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is Tennessee’s second largest general museum. With over 35,000 square feet of the region's best hands-on activities gallery space, the Customs House Museum provides a terrific outing for all ages. The Museum’s premier gift store, Seasons, offers unique, high-quality art, jewelry, books, handcrafted treasures, and other merchandise.
Located at Fort Campbell, the home of the famed 101st Airborne Division’s Screaming Eagles, the Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum traces the history of the unit from World War II to Operation Desert Storm. Just outside the museum, various aircraft, military equipment, and monuments are on display. These massive machines are sure to capture the imagination of every child and child-at-heart.
PUBLIC ART
Public art is becoming more and more prominent in Clarksville, especially in the downtown area. Of particular interest are:
- Millennium Fountain – Millennium Plaza
- Mural of Spires – Franklin Street
- John Montgomery – City Hall
- Leaf Chronicle Reader – 2nd and Commerce Streets
- Wilma Rudolph – McGregor Park at Pedestrian Overpass
- Eternal Flame – Public Square
- Nora Witzel – Montgomery County Courthouse
HISTORY & ARCHITECTURAL TOURS
Clarksville’s public art, along with its unique historic architecture are featured in self-guided Walk Clarksville and Drive Clarksville tours. Brochures with maps and descriptions of dozens of fascinating sites are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Customs House Museum, and Cumberland RiverCenter.
LIBRARY
An impressive facility and community treasure, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library is 74,000 square feet and offers nearly 184,000 volumes. The two-story structure features a book security and automation system, a completely enclosed children’s area with theatre and crafts, a large genealogy department, three public meeting rooms, internet access, periodical databases, term paper and resume software, eight study rooms, two large reading rooms and a large audio-visual area.
CHURCHES
Clarksville’s diverse population is reflected in the various religions that are located here. More than 250 individual churches representing almost all religious denominations are located in Clarksville and the surrounding area. Many of the churches in the downtown area are listed on the National Register of Historic places.
RELATED LINKS
ARTZ in Clarksville
Downtown Artist Co-op
Check our Attractions Listing for information on local museums.
Check our Community Calendar for local events.
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