Must See Places in Nashville: The Parthenon

Introduction

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its vibrant music and food culture, but it also boasts an impressive array of must-see places for visitors to explore. One of the most iconic of these is the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Originally built in 1897, the Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It stands as a reminder of Nashville’s rich history and culture, and has been a popular tourist destination since its opening. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the Parthenon, its architecture, and the many attractions that make it a must-see destination in Nashville.

History of the Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville was originally built in 1897 to celebrate the centennial of Tennessee’s statehood. It was designed by architects William Crawford Smith and Edward Jones, and was modeled after the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The replica was made of brick and mortar and covered in stucco to give it the appearance of marble. After its completion, it was used as an art museum and housed a collection of plaster replicas of ancient Greek sculptures. In 1931, the Parthenon was damaged by a tornado and had to be rebuilt. The reconstruction was completed in 1931 and has since been restored several times.

Architecture of the Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It stands at 62.5 feet tall and covers an area of 11,000 square feet. The walls are made of brick and mortar and are covered in stucco to give it the appearance of marble. The columns are made of plaster and painted to look like marble. The interior of the Parthenon has a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and the patron goddess of Athens. The Parthenon also features a large hall, the Nike Apteros, which is used for special events and receptions.

Attractions at the Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Parthenon is home to the Athena Parthenos, a 42-foot-tall gilded statue of the Greek goddess of wisdom. It is the only full-scale replica of the original Athena Parthenos that remains in existence and has become a symbol of Nashville and Tennessee.

In addition to the Athena Parthenos, the Parthenon also features a variety of sculptures and artworks, including the Elgin Marbles, a set of sculptures that were originally part of the Parthenon in Athens. The Parthenon also includes a replica of the 40-foot statue of Athena that once stood in the original Parthenon in Athens.

The Parthenon is also home to a variety of art galleries, including the Centennial Art Center and the Parthenon Art Center. The Centennial Art Center features a variety of works from local and national artists, while the Parthenon Art Center houses a collection of ancient Greek artifacts.

Parthenon Museum

The Parthenon in Nashville is also home to the Parthenon Museum, which is located in the basement of the building. The museum houses a variety of artifacts from ancient Greece, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Visitors can also view replicas of the Elgin Marbles and the Athena Parthenos. The museum also features a variety of educational programs and lectures, as well as guided tours of the Parthenon and its grounds.

Parthenon Park

The Parthenon in Nashville is located in Centennial Park, which is a sprawling urban park located in the heart of Nashville. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park also features a lake and a replica of the Parthenon’s original temple in Athens. The park is also home to a variety of concert venues, including the Parthenon Theatre and the Parthenon Pavilion.

Festivals and Events at the Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular is the Centennial Festival of the Arts, which is held every spring and features a variety of music, art, and food vendors. The Parthenon also hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other special events.

Food and Shopping at the Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Greek, Italian, Mexican, and American. The Parthenon also features a variety of shops, including souvenir shops, art galleries, and clothing stores.

Educational Programs at the Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville also offers a variety of educational programs for both children and adults. The Parthenon offers guided tours of the building and its grounds, as well as educational programs on the history of ancient Greece. The Parthenon also hosts a variety of lectures and workshops on a variety of topics.

Conclusion

The Parthenon in Nashville is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see destination for visitors. It stands as a reminder of Nashville’s rich history and culture, and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Athena Parthenos, the Elgin Marbles, a variety of art galleries, the Parthenon Museum, and the Centennial Art Center. The Parthenon is also located in Centennial Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities, and hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The Parthenon is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops, and offers a variety of educational programs. With so much to offer, the Parthenon is a must-see destination in Nashville for visitors of all ages.