The Parthenon

This site was built to celebrate 100 years of Tennessee's statehood. If you can't visit Greece, this is the next best thing.

A replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, was built in Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee. The architect was William Crawford Smith. An exposition was held from May 1 - October 31, 1897, as a part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The celebration was for Tennessee's entry into the union in 1796. Since the 1930s, the Parthenon continues to host various art exhibitions. The Parthenon is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation.

The Parthenon is magnificent on the outside, and the inside is filled with history about how it was built. A collection of paintings and sculptures on the first floor are a sight to see. The second floor is dedicated to Athena and features a 42-foot tall statue of this goddess. Check out the surrounding grounds outside, which are well kept and beautiful. There is also a lake that often has ducks and geese swimming on it. Look for squirrels as you take a walk on the nearby trails. The Parthenon is open  Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $8 for kids and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Stop by to take a picture next to this incredible building.