Nashville Parthenon

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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