Nashville is known for its music scene, and true to form country is steeped into its bones. But a little known spot (save for to the locals) near Vanderbilt has an interesting building that stands out from much of the other scenery. On a recent business trip in Nashville, I gave the spot a quick tour. (I've added some extra photos to the very end of this blog so take a look!)
Please note, all pictures are my own. If you intend to use them, you have my permission on the condition that you reference my name in your work and link back to this article.
That would be Nashville's very own full-sized (and the world's only) replica of the Parthenon. The ruins of the original are, of course, located in the ancient Athenian Acropolis. (Pictured below.)
So why did this replica end up being built in Nashville?
In 1897 Nashville's Parthenon was constructed as part of a cultural exhibition known as the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The American Civil War, having closed some 32 years prior, was still fresh on the minds of many Americans, and for the South, Tennessee's centennial celebration was seen as an opportunity to display how far they've come in such a short time.
At the time, Nashville was nicknamed the "Athens of the South," so it was only natural that they'd choose to construct some monument that expressed it clearly to the world. It wasn't just the Parthenon they'd construct either — a pyramid, structures from the far-east "oriental" region, and other easily recognized structures were erected. Most were constructed of temporary materials, and none of the buildings were ever meant to last.
Inside the Parthenon is a massive replica of the Athena statue. Its gilded in 8 lbs of gold.
If you're in Nashville, be sure to check out the Parthenon. More images from my trip can be viewed here.