Bowling Green is home to a diverse and scenic landscape surrounding its borders in Warren County. Many have come to find the Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum are both two of our area’s most hidden gems north of Nashville. Nestled in the rolling hills of western Warren County, just outside the Hadley community, there’s a quiet area gracing the community with its treasures. Artwork within the walls of the Downing Museum inspires and uplifts each individual who walks its galleries, and nature sighs a deep breath of solitude upon the terrain, all while the sound of trickling fountains drift on the wind at the Baker Arboretum. The Baker home sits like a sparkling crown jewel, overlooking Bowling Green. At night, one can see the beautiful twinkling lights of downtown and the outer areas of the surrounding communities.
But there is something more to this little-known gem of ours. It’s the people who get up every day that come to work here, curating and maintaining it to be a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. With our growing number of visitors each year, we rely on the generosity of our patrons to keep it admission-free. But we wanted to create something more for our community to have access to… the most stunning and beautiful backdrop for private events. Since we’ve opened our doors to the world of events, interest has increased, and we couldn’t be happier to continue to provide Bowling Green one of the most extraordinary locations around.
With changes after 2020, we have had to adapt and explore more economical ways for our potential clients to have the event they’ve dreamed of and deserve. Enter the “micro wedding.” Developed by our event management team, along with our marketing and strategic planning crew, we devised adaptable packages for most all budget ranges.
When you make the decision to contact our event manager, not only will you have the pleasure of working with Bowling Green’s best, you’ll be ensuring your special day will be a cherished and momentous occasion. We are dedicated and passionate about helping you curate your perfect day.
Each space has its own unique and spectacular features to fit your vision.
The Downing Museum:
A truly modern experience, the museum’s state-of-the-art design and contemporary art holdings offer the perfect backdrop for your small reception or gathering. The museum can accommodate up to 40 for seated events and 150 for non-seated events.
The Baker Arboretum:
By far our most popular choice! With the flexibility of space upon the grounds, there are nearly endless possibilities for just the right backdrop and setting. Accommodations vary for each event.
The Baker Residence:
Constructed in the early 1970s, the Baker Residence was home to the founder of Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum, Jerry Ellis Baker (1931-2017). Furnished with fine and decorative arts from around the world, the Baker Home is our most elegant space, for a more intimate setting. The home can accommodate up to 30 people. The residence is also available to rent, in addition, for larger weddings, with it being an ideal area for bridal parties to prepare for the nuptials.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with our event coordinator for a tour of each facility and to get more details on tailoring your vision. Phone 270-520-1070 or email paulaskaggs@jerryebakerfoundation.com.
-submitted by Emily Hendricksen
*Photo credits to Nunn Photography, Surlalune Photography, and Gretchen Clark Photography
