Go see the Parthenon without leaving the USA! Really! No Passport required 😊
The world is a bit crazy right now… it’s October 2021. While normally, you would find me travelling the world, embracing experiences and learning about new cultures current and past, alas with many countries re-instituting lockdowns I do not feel comfortable travelling abroad right now.
Imagine my amazement when planning travel with a friend through Tennessee when my new App “Roadtrippers” alerts me that there is a Parthenon… just down the street from Vanderbilt University in…. Nashville Tennessee!? WAIT….WHAT?!
As you can imagine, It didn’t take much convincing to add that to our stops along the way! Turns out it is amazing! (No ruins to walk over.. no passport, no pricy plane ticket, no language barriers… well… maybe a little 😉. I mean Texas/Tennessee you know what I mean…
About the Parthenon – Original and Replicas
The only full-size replica of the Ancient Greek Parthenon in the world! Yes, including it’s stunning 41 foot 10 inch statue of the Goddess Athena for whom the original temple was built.
The architecture of this magnificent replica matches that of it’s Greek original. Get this – it includes not a straight line, and no two columns are the same size, nor are they placed the same distance apart. This was to create the illusion of symmetry from a distance! How did they get so smart? In addition, no two steps are the same size and the floor is not square or level! I guess they did things a bit differently back in the day and building on much more rugged terrain than this as well.
The Original Parthenon in Athens Greece was completed in 438 BCE. This amazing replica in Nashville was originally built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Expo. By 1921 it had become unstable but the city was in love with the building by that time and so it was rebuilt being finished in 1931.
THE GODDESS ATHENA
The crown jewel (in my humble opinion) installed on May 20, 1990 is a replica of the 41 foot 10 inch tall statue of the Goddess Athena. The original temple in Greece was built primarily to house just such a statue of the Protector and patron Goddess of the city of Athens. She is the said to be the Goddess of Wisdom and useful art and this one is magnificent to see. The original statue in Greece was made of cast gold and carved ivory while the artist Phidias has created this version with more modern materials and covered it in 23.75KT Gold leaf. She has been painted to resemble the original ivory. I find it fascinating that the small Nike in her hand actually is 6 feet 4 inches tall! How is that for scale?
LARGEST MATCHING SET OF BRONZE DOORS IN THE WORLD!
These doors are beautiful and massive! Weighing in at a whopping 7.5 tons they are 6.5 feet wide by 1 foot thick and were installed in 1930.
Amazing Art Displays
There are some beautiful art displays at The Tennessee Parthenon building. Some of the artwork of the Cowan Collection has been donated including some beautiful and very old art and currently a stunning collection of creatively staged photos by Lynn Goldsmith called “The Looking Glass” is on display.
In summary
All around it was a beautiful thing to see and I highly recommend it since… it’s just around the corner! No Passport Required!
Roadtrippers – I do love this app!…So much so I became an affiliate! It’s very fun to use and shows some interesting sights to see along your route. I would have missed this site without it! The paid version lets you plan trips long and short with friends or by yourself. You can check it out using the above link. As an affiliate link I earn a small commission if you upgrade to the paid version that helps support the blog… thank you – use promo code BTR5QTP for $5 off the paid subscription! 😊 I love a good win win.
Parthenon Nashville is located at Centennial Park, West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37203
Phone Number is 615-862-8431
Edward Alksne says
Holy Snikees what an incredible and informative post. You are really good at what you do. Can’t wait for more posts in the future!!
Jeanie says
My biggest fan… glad you enjoyed 🙂
Lena Rhodes says
Great article! Much info included, but so much more for people to see when they visit! It was a great stop!
Jeanie says
Thank you Lena! It really was a wonder to see with you!
Michelle says
Love, love, love your blogs! Can’t wait for your next one!!!!
Jeanie says
I’m so glad! Next one is out now 🙂
Debbie says
Wonderful post and great pics. I really enjoy the blog and look forward to more great information.
Jeanie says
Thank you! It was fun to see for sure! More on the way soon!