The Parthenon
Located in Centennial Park, The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, including a re-created 42-foot statue of Athena.
Originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, Nashville's Parthenon replica serves as a monument to classical architecture. The plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles found in the Naos (east room of main hall) are direct casts of the original sculptures, which adorned the pediments of the Athenian Parthenon dating back to 438 B.C. The originals of these fragments are housed in the British Museum in London.
The Athena statue was added later, with sculptor Alan LeQuire completeing the work in 1990. Between 1990 and 2002, the sculpture stood as a plain, white statue. In 2002, Athena underwent a gilding project, making Athena appear closer to the original ancient Athena Parthenos. In addition to gilding, the project included painted details on her face, wardrobe, and shield.
The Parthenon also serves as Nashville's art museum. The focus of the Parthenon's permanent collection is a group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by James M. Cowan. Additional gallery spaces provide a venue for a variety of temporary shows and exhibits.
Originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, Nashville's Parthenon replica serves as a monument to classical architecture. The plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles found in the Naos (east room of main hall) are direct casts of the original sculptures, which adorned the pediments of the Athenian Parthenon dating back to 438 B.C. The originals of these fragments are housed in the British Museum in London.
The Athena statue was added later, with sculptor Alan LeQuire completeing the work in 1990. Between 1990 and 2002, the sculpture stood as a plain, white statue. In 2002, Athena underwent a gilding project, making Athena appear closer to the original ancient Athena Parthenos. In addition to gilding, the project included painted details on her face, wardrobe, and shield.
The Parthenon also serves as Nashville's art museum. The focus of the Parthenon's permanent collection is a group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by James M. Cowan. Additional gallery spaces provide a venue for a variety of temporary shows and exhibits.