This week, Mrs. G. and I visited the Parthenon in Nashville. It might seem surprising to find a piece of ancient Greece in the heart of Tennessee, but this full-scale replica of the Parthenon is a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and art. Let’s dive into the story behind the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and its American counterpart in Nashville.
The Parthenon in Athens stands as a symbol of ancient Greek civilization. Built between 447 and 432 BCE, it was dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. This majestic temple sits on the Acropolis, overlooking the city of Athens. Made of Pentelic marble, the Parthenon reflects the architectural brilliance of the Greeks with its Doric columns and intricate sculptures. Serving not only as a religious site, it also stands as a testament to Athens’s power and cultural achievements during its peak.
Inside, the Parthenon housed a massive statue of Athena, crafted by the sculptor Phidias. Made of gold and ivory, this statue stood about 40 feet tall. Over the centuries, the Parthenon endured damage from wars, explosions, and looting, yet it remains a pivotal monument in the history of architecture and art. Today, ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve and maintain its structural integrity and artistic details.
Fast forward to the late 19th century, and we find the city of Nashville earning its nickname, “Athens of the South.” This moniker reflects Nashville’s dedication to higher education and the arts, as the city became a hub for colleges, universities, and cultural institutions. In 1897, Nashville hosted the Tennessee Centennial Exposition to celebrate the state’s 100th anniversary. As part of this grand event, the city built a temporary replica of the Parthenon, honoring its commitment to the arts and education.
The temporary structure became so popular that in the 1920s, Nashville decided to rebuild the Parthenon as a permanent fixture. Completed in 1931, this new version remains a centerpiece of Centennial Park. Unlike its ancient counterpart, the Nashville Parthenon is made of concrete, but it mirrors the design and splendor of the original. This attention to detail has made it a beloved landmark and an educational resource for visitors and residents alike.
We entered the Parthenon on the first floor and discovered displays showcasing the original structure from the 1897 Centennial Exposition and the construction of the current structure. In addition to these historical exhibits, the first floor also houses various art collections. These include permanent displays highlighting different aspects of Greek mythology and culture and rotating exhibits featuring American art. After immersing ourselves in the rich history and diverse art on the first floor, we moved to the second floor, where the main hall awaited us.
Stepping inside the main hall, we were immediately transported back to ancient Greece. At one end are massive doors, grand enough for a god to enter. At the other end stands the nearly 42-foot-tall statue of Athena, masterfully recreated by sculptor Alan LeQuire. Standing tall and imposing, this statue is gilded with gold leaf, giving it a radiant and awe-inspiring presence. Athena’s expression is one of commanding authority, capturing her role as both a warrior and a wise protector. Her elaborate armor and flowing garments are carefully detailed, highlighting the craftsmanship that went into this recreation.
Athena holds a smaller statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, in her right hand — yes, Nike is female. This statue of Nike stands at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall, with wings spread wide and a laurel wreath held high, symbolizing triumph and honor. Nike’s dynamic pose and detailed attire reflect her victorious spirit. Despite being smaller in size, the statue of Nike is a striking feature that enhances the grandeur of Athena.
Athena’s left side features an elaborately designed shield, a prominent symbol of protection and strength. The shield is adorned with detailed reliefs depicting various Greek mythology scenes, including the epic battle between the gods and the giants. These reliefs symbolize the triumph of order over chaos. Adjacent to the shield, Athena’s spear stands tall and steadfast, further emphasizing her role as a formidable warrior.
At Athena’s feet, a coiled snake adds another symbolic meaning to the statue. In ancient Greek mythology, snakes are often associated with wisdom, protection, and regeneration. This snake, positioned protectively at Athena’s side, underscores her role as a guardian and a source of knowledge.
Together, these elements — the statue of Athena, Nike, the shield, the spear, and the snake — form a strong and unified display of Greek mythology and art.
Visiting the Parthenon in Nashville was a journey through time. We connected with the rich heritage of ancient Greece and saw Nashville’s dedication to culture. The detailed replicas, from the statue of Athena to the exhibits, made the experience both educational and memorable. Overall, it was a fascinating and enjoyable experience for both of us. If you’re ever in Nashville, stop by and see the Parthenon.