Parthenon

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple in Nashville's Centennial Park. The building serves as an art museum and displays American paintings alongside its architectural structure.

The building was erected in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition as a temporary plaster structure. The permanent concrete version was created in the 1920s after the original construction deteriorated.

The Nashville structure demonstrates how ancient Greek temples can function in modern public space. Visitors see a full reconstruction with all the architectural details found in the Athens original.

The structure stands on West End Avenue and opens Tuesday through Sunday. Guided tours explain the architectural features and art collections inside the building.

The central chamber houses a statue of Athena Parthenos standing over 42 feet tall, created by sculptor Alan LeQuire in 1990. This sculpture ranks as the largest indoor statue in North America and shows the goddess with a gilded surface.

Location: Nashville

Inception: 1897

Architects: William Crawford Smith

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Part of: Centennial Park

Website: http://nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parthenon.aspx

GPS coordinates: 36.14960,-86.81350

Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:05