The Nashville Parthenon is an exact replica of the original Parthenon in Athens and was the centerpiece of the 1897 Centennial Exposition in Nashville. It is the only structure from the Exposition that was preserved by the city. Over time it deteriorated but was later rebuilt in concrete to last. Today it houses over 60 works of art and a large replica of the Athena Parthenos statue, and gives guided tours to visitors.

1. Nashville Parthenon
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2. Many buildings in the 1897
Centennial Exposition were
based off ancient originals,
but only the Nashville
Parthenon was an exact
replica. Because of
Nashville’s nickname, the
“Athens of the South,” it
was no question that the
Parthenon would be the
centerpiece of the
Exposition.

3. Of the Exposition, the Parthenon was the only building that was
preserved by the city, although it was not intended to be permanent.
Originally built of brick, wood, and plaster, the replica was quickly
weathered down over the course of roughly 20 years. Due to the
Parthenon’s popularity, however, it was rebuilt using concrete and
finished completely, inside and out, by 1931.

4. The Parthenon has been home to many productions, some of which have
seen casts of over 500 members, including the 1914 production, “The
Mystery at Thanatos,” whose script can be viewed at the Nashville Public
Library. These productions also featured amazing displays that included
live birds, pyrotechnics, and even chariot races. The interior was most
recently used as a backdrop for a scene in the 2010 movie, Percy Jackson
and the Lightning Thief.

5. The Parthenon’s interior
contains 63 works of art,
ranging from the 19th
and 20th centuries. The
centerpiece of the
Parthenon is a 42-foot-
tall replica of the Athena
Parthenos statue,
complete with armor, a
shield, and a six-foot-tall
statue of Nike. The
statue is also garnished
with over 8 pounds of
gold leaf.

6. The Nashville Parthenon still stands today and is available for guided tours.