05 Oct The Parthenon and Athena Statue in Nashville, Tennessee

The Parthenon and Athena statue in Nashville is almost an exact replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The Parthenon was initially built temporarily for Nashville’s Centennial Exposition, but the people loved it so much they fought for it to remain. The temporary structure eventually started to deteriorate, so the city began to build a permanent Parthenon in 1920. The new Parthenon structure, including the Athena statue, was finalized in Nashville in 2002. The Parthenon is the perfect place to visit for a family outing, date night, or self-care day. For an adventure outside of the city, check out Fall Creek Falls Trail in the state park.

Contents:

1) Location of the Nashville Parthenon 

2) Background

3) Opening Hours and Tickets

4) General Visitor Information

5) Other Nearby Attractions in Nashville

1) Location of the Nashville Parthenon

The Parthenon, including the Athena Statue, is located in Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Be sure to check out other things to do in Centennial Park while you are visiting, for it is home to a variety of attractions in addition to the Parthenon. 

While the original Parthenon is in Athens, this one in Nashville is a full-size replica. For reference, it is approximately 13 minutes from the Country Music Hall of Fame and 10 minutes from downtown Nashville.

Taking a trip to Texas anytime soon? Stop by Caddo Lake State Park on your way to Dallas where you can visit the Reunion Tower for the best views of the city.

Parking

Visitors can find parking along the street or in one of the various nearby parking garages. Additionally, there is a surface lot for Centennial Park, though it can fill up at more popular times of the day/week.

Nearby Lodging

There are hundreds of lodging options in the city of Nashville. However, if you want to stay outside of the city, check out options in Hendersonville (northeast of Nashville) and Franklin (south of Nashville).

Nearby Airport

The closest airport to the Parthenon is the Nashville International Airport. It is located just 25 minutes east. Additionally, you can take public transportation from the airport to the Parthenon, though be aware it will take around one hour. You can also choose to rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

Small sculptures on display in the Parthenon

2) Background – Nashville Parthenon + Athena Statue

Maybe you know a bit about the background of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, but what about the replica Parthenon and Athena statue in Nashville, Tennessee? Keep reading below to learn more. 

Originally Built for the Centennial Exposition

You might be wondering – wait…isn’t the Parthenon located in Athens? Well, you would technically be correct. The original Parthenon is in Athens, Greece. However, Nashville built the Parthenon replica in 1897 for their Centennial Exposition. This replica copies the original one in Athens in relation to both size and detail.

But, why did Nashville build this replica in the first place? One of Nashville’s nicknames is Athens of the South. The city thus wanted to expand upon this nickname and the Greek architectural influence in their area. However, the replica was only meant to be temporary, as were all other structures built for the Centennial Exposition. The city fought back against the Parthenon replica being just temporary, and it was thus not torn down after the exposition ended.

Eventually Rebuilt to be Almost an Exact Replica

Nevertheless, they did not build the structure to be permanent, and it eventually started to deteriorate. The Parthenon received many small makeovers to keep it alive until 1920 when it was rebuilt.

When they rebuilt it, the architects worked to make both the inside and outside of the Nashville Parthenon be as close to an exact replica as possible of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It later opened to the public in 1931. However, the Nashville Parthenon was not finalized in terms of being an exact replica until 1990. Then a few years later in 2002, they completely finished the Athena statue with all of its painting and details.

Entrance to the Parthenon in Nashville

3) Opening Hours and Tickets

Be sure to know the hours of operation as well as ticket prices before planning your visit. The open hours vary by day as well as on holidays, and there are multiple ticket options based on age. 

Hours of Operation – Nashville Parthenon + Athena Statue

The hours of operations for the Parthenon can vary at different times of the year, so be sure to check their website here to double check. Nevertheless, their general hours are:

• Monday from 1:00pm to 7:00pm
• Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00am to 7:00pm
• Friday through Saturday from 9:00am to 4:30pm
• Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm

The Parthenon often has special hours or is completely closed on holidays, so check their site above to ensure they are open for when you plan to visit.

Tickets – Nashville Parthenon + Athena Statue

The Parthenon offers tickets for adults, youths, and older individuals. Check out the prices on their website. For example, adult tickets cost around $10 while youth and senior tickets cost around $8. Additionally, children under the age of four can enter for free.

For members of the Centennial Park Conservatory, entrance is free. If interested in a group rate, contact the Parthenon directly using the contact information on their website. The Parthenon is happy to accommodate school field trips as well as adult groups.

As a note, all visitors must purchase tickets at the counter in the museum store of the Parthenon. However, for group tickets, please contact them directly as mentioned above.

Side view of the Athena statue

4) General Visitor Information 

The Parthenon in Nashville is a beautiful location to visit if interested in architecture, art, and/or Greek influence. While I am not a huge fan of art museums, I am happy I chose to visit the Parthenon. It has beautiful artwork as well as a majestic Athena statue all contained in a uniquely styled building. The ticket price for entry is small enough that I was willing and happy to spend money to visit for approximately one hour.

Still not convinced to visit? Well, the Parthenon is included on this list of the 11 best things to do in Nashville.

Athena Statue – Nashville Parthenon 

The Athena Statue was the last piece of the puzzle for the Nashville Parthenon to be almost an exact replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. It was completed in 1990 then had additional painting and details added by 2002. Visitors can marvel at the statue within the Parthenon in all its gold glory.

Exhibits

The Parthenon has multiple temporary exhibits. That being said, you will most likely see some new art every single time you visit. There is both an East Gallery as well as a West Gallery that hold the temporary exhibits.

Furthermore, the Parthenon has a permanent exhibit called the Cowan Collection of American Art. James M. Cowan was a devoted collector of art and had over 700 pieces of art at the time of his passing. He decided to donate a portion of his art collection to the Parthenon, and he even bought a few pieces specifically with the Parthenon in mind.

Centennial Park

The Nashville Parthenon is located in Centennial Park. The park has so many attractions; it is easy to spend an entire day just inside of the park. Visitors can stroll along the Centennial Park Walking Trail, check out the Tennessee Women Suffrage Monument, get in some physical activity at the volleyball courts, and more. Pack a picnic and plan to stay for the entire day! It is a great location for a day out with the family as well as a date.

Athena statue in the Parthenon

5) Other Nearby Attractions in Nashville 

The city of Nashville holds a variety of attractions. There is something for everyone, no matter whether you are visiting for a bachelorette party, a family vacation, or a weekend away with your partner.

First, the Country Music Hall of Fame preserves and honors the history and current state of country music. It is one of the largest country music museums in the world. Second, the Grand Ole Opry is the main stage on which country musicians perform. Visitors can tour the venue or catch a show while they are in town. Third, the Ryman Auditorium is another concert and event venue. Visitors again have the option to tour the auditorium or buy a ticket to a show if there is one while they are in the area.

This next attraction is not located in Nashville, but I think it is well worth a day trip outside of the city. The Lost Sea Adventure offers boat rides on underground lakes, though it is located in Sweetwater, Tennessee.

Sign for the Country Music Hall of Fame

PIN IT to save it for later!

Go for a hike nearby: Hike to Fall Creek Falls Trail.

Or explore underground: Lost Sea Adventure: Underground Lake in TN.