A splash of European culture – Experience one of the “Athens of the South’s” most beloved landmarks.
At the heart of Nashville’s Centennial Park stands the Parthenon, a full-size replica of one of Greece’s most revered temples. Just like its Grecian counterpart, the focal point of this classic architectural edifice is a 13-metre-high statue of the Greek goddess Athena.Long before music put Nashville on the cultural map, it was affectionately referred to as the “Athens of the South” for its numerous higher education institutions and because many of the city’s buildings were prime examples of Greek Revival-style architecture. As a symbol of Nashville’s existing affiliation with Athens, an exact scale model of the Parthenon of Ancient Greece was erected as the centrepiece of Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition in 1897, along with many other replicas of ancient buildings. While these buildings were only intended to be temporary structures, the Parthenon became one of the most admired in the exposition and was subsequently retained and rebuilt. The plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles are direct casts of the original sculptures, fragments of which are kept in the Acropolis Museum in Athens and the British Museum.The Parthenon is now home to the city of Nashville’s art museum. Glide through the soaring columns and discover the numerous artworks on display by 19th and 20th-century American artists.More than just a museum, this impressive building also provides a stunning backdrop for summertime theatre performances, so check if there are any productions taking place during your visit to Nashville this is an experience you won’t want to miss! For another spectacular view of this Grecian landmark, hop aboard the Nashville Nights and Lights Tour and bask in the glow of the Parthenon as it shimmers in the night sky.Centennial Park boasts a plethora of other attractions so, once you have finished with the Parthenon, why not bring the kids to feed the ducks at a nearby lake, or take a stroll through the picturesque sunken gardens?Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, you should set aside a good two hours to fully explore the beauty of the Parthenon. Hop on a city bus to get to Centennial Park, which is just three kilometres west of Nashville city centre. Or if you feel like driving, parking is available nearby and is free of charge.
