The Parthenon

The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only exact-size and detail replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece.  When Tennessee celebrated its 100th year of statehood with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville took advantage of its nickname “Athens of the South” and built the Fine Art Building as a copy of Athens’ most famous building and the epitome of Greek classical architecture.  Although built to be temporary, as were all the buildings of the Centennial, the Parthenon crystallized for Nashvillians their image of themselves and their city and they were loathe to tear it down at the conclusion of the exposition.  The exterior coating, sculpture and decorative work were made of plaster and soon deteriorated.  Repeated patching kept destruction at bay for several years, but in 1920 the city was forced to a permanent solution:  tear it down or rebuild it in lasting materials.  The decision to rebuild involved local architect Russell Hart and, as consultant, architectural historian William Bell Dinsmoor.