The Parthenon (Nashville)
Tennessee
The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, is a meticulous full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Designed by architect William Crawford Smith, it was intended as a temporary structure but was preserved due to its popularity and cultural significance. The building functions as an art museum and is the centerpiece of Centennial Park, showcasing a permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings. Its most striking feature is the 42-foot-tall statue of Athena Parthenos, recreated by Alan LeQuire in 1990 to scholarly standards, complete with gold leaf and intricate details. The Parthenon also houses plaster casts of the original Parthenon Marbles, providing visitors with an immersive experience of classical Greek art and architecture. The building's exterior and interior were reconstructed in concrete during the 1920s and 1930s to ensure durability. The Parthenon hosts theatrical productions of Greek plays and various cultural events, further enriching Nashville's reputation as the "Athens of the South." Its colorful polychrome decorations closely mimic those of the ancient original, making it a unique monument to classical architecture in the United States.
ヒント: Visitors should check the official website before planning their visit as the Parthenon is closed for HVAC renovations until June 28, 2026. During this period, the exterior and outdoor audio tours remain accessible. Summer months offer free theatrical performances on the Parthenon's steps, featuring classic Greek plays. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended when the museum is open. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. The museum provides educational programs and special events throughout the year, enhancing the visitor experience.
興味深い事実
- •The Parthenon in Nashville is the only full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
- •The Athena Parthenos statue inside stands 42 feet tall and is gilded with over 8 pounds of gold leaf.
- •The plaster casts of the Parthenon Marbles inside are direct replicas of the original sculptures dating back to 438 BC.
- •The Parthenon was originally constructed for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition as a temporary structure but was preserved due to its popularity.
- •In the early 1900s, the Parthenon hosted large theatrical pageants with casts of up to 500 performers, including chariot races and live birds.
歴史
Nashville's nickname, "Athens of the South," inspired the construction of the Parthenon as the centerpiece of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition.
Originally built of plaster, wood, and brick, it was intended as a temporary exhibit but was preserved due to public popularity.
In the 1920s, the structure was rebuilt in concrete on the original foundations, with the exterior completed in 1925 and the interior in 1931, under architect Russell Hart.
The Parthenon has hosted elaborate theatrical pageants in the early 20th century, celebrating Greek mythology and Nashville's cultural identity.
The iconic Athena statue was commissioned and completed in 1990 by sculptor Alan LeQuire.
場所ガイド
The Athena Parthenos Statue1990
A 42-foot-tall replica of the original statue of Athena, created by Alan LeQuire in 1990. The statue is adorned with gold leaf and depicts Athena with a shield, helmet, and a small statue of Nike in her hand.
Parthenon Marbles Treasury Room438 BC (original sculptures)
This room contains plaster casts of the original Parthenon sculptures that adorned the ancient temple's pediments, offering visitors a close look at classical Greek art from 438 BC.
Permanent Art Collection1927-1929
Located on the lower level, this collection features 63 paintings by 19th and 20th-century American artists, donated by James M. Cowan between 1927 and 1929.
連絡先
電話: (615) 862-8431
