Sure, the ruins of the Acropolis in Greece are world-renown as the cradle of Western Civilization. But if you can’t afford the airfare, or would rather see what it looked like when it wasn’t in ruins, you can always visit Nashville, Tennessee instead.
The Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park is a reconstruction of its namesake temple at the heart of Athens. While the original Parthenon shows a bit of wear and tear after nearly 2500 years, the Americana version stands complete and imposing. At its heart is a reconstruction of the 42-foot statute of Athena by American sculptor Alan LeQuire, which pays homage to the original that was lost to history. Nashville’s Parthenon provides modern-day visitors a glimpse of what it must have been like to stand in the original temple.
Beyond the temple’s main room, which was originally built for the Nashville’s centennial celebrations in 1897, the Parthenon also houses an art gallery displaying works by 19th and 20th Century American artists, as well as an array of temporary exhibits.
Where: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday, 12:30 PM –4:30 PM; closed Monday
Admission: $6 for adults; $4 for children and seniors