The Parthenon
Nashville’s Iconic Landmark
The Nashville Parthenon is the world’s only exact-size and detail replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece.
When Tennessee celebrated its hundredth year of statehood with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville took advantage of its nickname “Athens of the South” and built the art building as a copy of Athens’ most famous building and the epitome of Greek classical architecture.
Although built to be temporary, as were all the buildings of the Exposition, the Parthenon crystallized for Nashvillians their image of themselves and their city and they were loathe to tear it down at the conclusion of the exposition. A permanent structures completed in 1931 and the statue of Athena was unveiled in 1990. The Nashville Parthenon serves as the city’s art museum and a cultural centerpiece of our community.
