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Did you know that Nashville is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens Greece?  Long before Nashville became known as Music City, it was called “The Athens of the South” due to the city’s focus on learning and higher education. In 1897, the replica of the Parthenon was built for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition.
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The Nashville Parthenon was part of a broader movement in the 19th and early 20th centuries to embrace and celebrate classical Greek and Roman architecture and ideals, reflecting a cultural admiration for the achievements of ancient civilizations. This replication serves as a bridge between ancient Greek cultural heritage and modern American identity, emphasizing the timeless appeal of classical art and architecture.
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The Nashville Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Located in Centennial Park, it serves as an art museum and stands as a monument to what is considered the pinnacle of classical architecture. Here are some key details:
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- History: The Nashville Parthenon was built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It was intended to be a temporary structure but was so popular that it was rebuilt in permanent materials between 1920 and 1931.
- Architecture: The replica maintains the dimensions and details of the original Parthenon, including its iconic Doric columns and intricate pediments.
- Art and Exhibits: Inside, it houses a re-creation of the Athena Parthenos statue, which was crafted by sculptor Alan LeQuire and stands 42 feet tall. The Parthenon also features a variety of art exhibits, including a permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings.
- Cultural Significance: The Parthenon reflects Nashville's nickname, "The Athens of the South," which stems from the city's commitment to higher education and classical architecture.
- Visiting: The Parthenon is open to the public, and visitors can explore both the exterior and interior, including the art galleries and the grand statue of Athena.
Significance of the Replica
The Nashville Parthenon was part of a broader movement in the 19th and early 20th centuries to embrace and celebrate classical Greek and Roman architecture and ideals, reflecting a cultural admiration for the achievements of ancient civilizations. This replication serves as a bridge between ancient Greek cultural heritage and modern American identity, emphasizing the timeless appeal of classical art and architecture.
Today, the Parthenon houses an art gallery featuring American artists as well as a full-scale statue of Athena just like the one in Athens.
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The Parthenon is located in Centennial Park.Â
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