The Arcade

The Arcade was built in 1902 and opened to the public a year later as Nashville’s first covered shopping center. The developers of this space were inspired by the renowned Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Arcade in Milan, Italy. Approximately 40,000 people gathered to celebrate the Arcade's opening, curious about this new indoor/outdoor shopping experience. In many ways, the Arcade has changed very little since its grand debut over a century ago, but it remains a popular stop and a hidden gem in Nashville for residents and tourists alike.

The interior structure is two stories high and opens to a glass roof above. It hosts an eclectic group of tenants. Art galleries and offices occupy the second floor, while shops and restaurants can be found on the first floor. The Arcade boasts over twenty food stops with pizza, deli sandwiches, tacos, Chinese food, coffee, pastries, and more. The oldest remaining store in the building is The Peanut Shop, which opened in 1927. Owned by Planters Peanuts until 1960, the store has operated independently ever since. 

While some go to the Arcade to eat, others go for the art. If you are looking for a fun and free event—attend the monthly art crawl. The Downtown Nashville First Saturday Art Crawl is an opportunity to explore the galleries in the Arcade, as well as other venues along Fifth Avenue. You will see paintings, sketches, jewelry and may even see artists working in their studios. Most galleries also serve free refreshments and wine. 

While the Arcade itself is a work of art, it is also the site of Happy Times at the Arcade, a mural by local artist Michael Cooper. The mural is located just outside of the main Arcade on Arcade Alley, which cuts across the middle of the central corridor. Take a left on Arcade Alley at the Peanut Shop and walk toward Union Street where the mural will be on your LEFT. The piece utilizes a style called trompe l’oeil—French for “deceives the eye”—that gives the illusion of a 3D object on a flat surface. The artist used perspective, shadow, and great detail to create realistic looking windows and balconies on a largely unadorned exterior wall. Happy Times at the Arcade is on the side of a history-themed, meat-and-three restaurant called 417 Union. The restaurant’s origins can be traced back to the Satsuma Tea Room, which first opened 1918. 

If you're intrigued by all that The Arcade has to offer, learn more on Nashville Sites Food for Thought and Capitol and Church Architecture tours. 

After looking at the Happy Times at The Arcade mural walk back into The Arcade and continue to your left. Turn LEFT on Fourth Avenue North. Then turn RIGHT on Union Street. Walk along Union Street to Second Avenue North and cross to reach Public Square. Head up the stairs leading onto the plaza on your left. Public Square is your next stop.