The Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only exact-size and detail replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece. When Tennessee celebrated its 100th year of statehood in 1897 with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville took advantage of its nickname “Athens of the South” and built the Fine Art Building. Although built to be temporary, the Parthenon made an iconic impact on Nashvillians and their city; they were loathe to tear it down at the conclusion of the exposition. In 1931, it was opened to the public. In 1920, the city tore down the plaster-covered structure and rebuilt it in lasting materials. The decision to rebuild involved local architect Russell Hart and, as consultant, architectural historian William Bell Dinsmoor. The replica of the Athena statue was designed by Nashville sculptor Alan LeQuire, and it took eight years to finish. It was unveiled in 1990.