The Parthenon in Nashville: You Won't Believe It's Not Actually in Greece (But Seriously, It's Not)
Ever heard of Nashville? You know, capital of country music, home of hot chicken, and...ancient Greek temples? Yep, you read that right. Nestled in the heart of Nashville's Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, the iconic temple that once loomed over Athens.
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| What is The Parthenon In Nashville |
So, Why the Heck is There a Parthenon Knock-Off in Tennessee?
Blame it on a party! In 1897, Tennessee threw a massive bash to celebrate its 100th year of statehood, the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Nashville, looking to impress, decided to embrace its nickname "The Athens of the South" and whack up a replica of the most famous building in Athens, Greece.
Fun fact: The Parthenon was originally supposed to be temporary, like all good party decorations. But the folks in Nashville got so attached to their Parthenon, they just couldn't bear to tear it down. So there it stayed, becoming a beloved landmark and a constant source of amusement (and maybe a little confusion) for tourists.
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But It's Not Just a Pretty Facade, Y'all!
This Parthenon isn't just a glorified selfie spot (although it is a pretty epic one). Today, it functions as an art museum. Inside you'll find a permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century American art, as well as a show-stopping replica of the giant Athena Parthenos statue that once resided in the original Parthenon.
Warning: This statue is 42-feet tall and may cause serious neck craning.
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Fun Facts That Will Make You Sound Smart at Your Next Party (Especially If It's a toga party):
- The Nashville Parthenon is the only full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon in the entire world. That's right, even Athens doesn't have a full-size copy!
- The Parthenon is built out of concrete, not the fancy marble of the original. But hey, concrete is way easier to come by in Tennessee.
How to Get Your Parthenon On: A Quick FAQ
How to Get There: The Parthenon is located in Centennial Park, which is just west of downtown Nashville. You can walk, bike, scooter, or take a rideshare to get there.
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How Much Does it Cost: Entry fees are pretty reasonable, and there are even discounts for seniors and students.
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How to Dress: There's no toga requirement, but comfy shoes are a must for all the picture taking you're gonna do.
How Long Does it Take to See: You can breeze through the Parthenon in about an hour, or take your time and soak up the atmosphere.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
How Epic are the Selfies: Let's just say your Instagram followers will be begging to know where you vacationed.
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