Nashville's TN Parthenon

Why was this exact replica of the Greek Parthenon here in Nashville?

The city of Nashville decided to construct a full scale replica of the Parthenon in Greece to celebrate the Tennessee Centennial Celebration in 1897. The actual 100th anniversary of statehood was in 1896, but organizers blamed the lack of funds and the presidential election for the delay in construction until 1897. The Parthenon is made of plaster, brick, and wood and took a total of ten years to complete. The first stone was laid in 1895 and hence the city became known as the "Athens of the South."

The Centenial Tennessee Exposition was held May 1 - October 30, 1897. Like a world's fair, all the exhibit buildings are temporary and made of inexpensive materials. It was a huge success and over the six month duration, approximately 1.8 million people attend the Centennial.

By 1898, most of the building were removed or destroyed. Only the Parthenon remained after the Tennessee Centennial Celebration because of its popularity. In 1920, the city of Nashville decided to make the Parthenon a permenant structure. A local artist, Russell Hart, was hired for the reconstruction. the Parthenon was rebuilt as a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon with one large exception. The colossal statue of Athena from ancient times, however, was not in this replica. In 1982, the city commissioned Alan LeQuire to build a full-scale replica of Athena Parthenos. The Athena Fund was founded to raise money. Starting with funds accumulated over the years from the nickels and dimes of school children and tourists, the Athena Fund grew rapidly through private and commercial donations.

Location: West End Avenue and 25th Avenue, In Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee.
Call 615-862-8431 for more information or email tours@parthenon.org.