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Concrete Parthenon
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  • States:
    Tennessee

This replica makes Nashville the "Athens of the South."

Originally constructed for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, a full-sized replica of Athens’ famous Parthenon resides today in Nashville’s Centennial Park. Its most remarkable quality is that it’s made entirely of concrete.

The building also houses a 42-foot recreation of the Parthenon’s Athena statue. (The original has not survived.) As per Nashville’s Parks and Recreation website, “The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.”

The Parthenon is a destination unto itself but also serves as one of the city’s top five art museums. The focus of its permanent collection is a group of 19th and 20th-century paintings by American artists, donated by James M. Cowan. A variety of temporary shows and exhibits can also be found in the additional gallery space.

Know Before You Go

Entrance fee is $6 for adults and $4 for children (4-17) and Seniors (62+). Hours are 9 AM-4:30 PM on Tuesday-Saturday, and 12:30-4:30 PM on Sunday.

Content originally created for Atlas Obscura.

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