The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple in Nashville’s Centennial Park, built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897. Its columned exterior makes a striking stop for a walk or photos, and you can visit the art museum inside for a closer look at the building’s history and American paintings. The upper level holds a 42-foot statue of Athena. Allow time for the park as well as the museum; the grounds have open lawns and a lake, and you can see the exterior without entering the building.
Built for Nashville’s centennial
Nashville’s Parthenon was created for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897. The city’s nickname, the “Athens of the South,” helped inspire a full-scale copy of the ancient Greek temple. The original structure used plaster, wood and brick and was intended to be temporary. It proved popular enough to remain after the exposition.
As the original building deteriorated, it was replaced with a more durable structure. Work on the interior and exterior took place during the 1920s and was completed by 1931. Today the replica stands at the centre of Centennial Park, west of downtown Nashville.
The Athena statue and museum
The museum’s central draw is a 42-foot statue of Athena Parthenos, the Greek goddess associated with ancient Athens. Nashville sculptor Alan LeQuire made the monumental work. It occupies the upper level, which is reached by elevator.
The museum also has galleries of American art. Its permanent collection includes 63 paintings by 19th- and 20th-century artists, donated by James M. Cowan. Other gallery spaces host temporary exhibitions. Casts of sculptures from the ancient Parthenon are also displayed inside, alongside material about the replica’s construction and history.
Exploring the exterior and park
The building’s large columns and classical design are visible from the park, so you can appreciate its scale without going inside. The exterior is free to visit, while museum entry requires a ticket. Around it, Centennial Park has open lawns, walking paths and a lake. The grounds make it easy to add a stroll to a museum visit or to stop for photos without committing to an indoor tour.
Allow extra time if you want to explore beyond the Parthenon. The park includes other monuments and public art, and its open space is used for walking, picnics and recreation. If you want to see the statue and galleries, check for current access before setting out, since repairs or closures can affect the interior.
FAQ
Is the Parthenon in Nashville a full-size replica?
Yes. It is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897.
Can you visit the Parthenon without paying?
You can visit the exterior and walk around the park for free. Entry to the museum inside requires a ticket.
What is inside the Parthenon?
The museum has American art, temporary exhibitions and displays about the building. The upper level contains a 42-foot statue of Athena.
Is the Parthenon wheelchair accessible?
The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an elevator to the second floor, where the Athena statue is located.
