The Parthenon
A full-scale concrete Parthenon in a Nashville park, holding a gilded Athena nearly thirteen metres high.
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Nashville called itself the Athens of the South, and for the state's centennial exposition in 1897 it built a full-scale Parthenon in plaster and wood. It was meant to be temporary; it proved too popular to pull down, and between 1920 and 1931 it was rebuilt permanently in concrete on the same footprint. It is the only full-scale reproduction of the building anywhere. Inside stands Alan LeQuire's Athena Parthenos, finished in 1990 and gilded in 2002 - nearly thirteen metres tall, holding a two-metre Nike in her palm, reconstructed from ancient descriptions. The lower level holds an art gallery. Casts of the surviving Elgin marbles line the upper chamber.
What you actually see
- A full-scale Parthenon in concrete - rebuilt permanently 1920-1931.
- Athena Parthenos - nearly thirteen metres, gilded in 2002.
- Casts of the marbles - along the upper chamber.
- A park setting - Centennial Park around it.
When to go
Year round; closed some Mondays. An hour and a half.
Honest expectations
It is a replica and reads as one up close - the concrete is unmistakable. The interior is a single large chamber plus a small gallery. Parking in the park fills at events. It is a short visit.
Nearby
Downtown Nashville is east; Vanderbilt is adjacent.
What to pack for The Parthenon
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
