Jasmine Greer
- Dec 4, 2022
- 2 min read

The Parthenon: A Funny Story

Updated: Dec 18, 2022

When you think of the Parthenon, what comes to mind? Ancient Greece? The goddess Athena? A long-ago civilization? Well, believe it or not, the Parthenon is right here in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee! And its story is a funny one.

heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Parthenon

Parthenon in Athens, Greece, Tennessee Centennial Exposition

The Parthenon in Nashville was built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. This world's fair was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Tennessee's statehood, and the city went all out to put on a good show. Over two million people attended the exposition, and one of its main attractions was a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

After the exposition ended, there was no use for the Parthenon replica, so it sat abandoned for years. In 1927, Nashville's park board decided to demolish it. But a local woman named Jane Esqulant Stepherson had other ideas. She convinced the park board to donate the building to the city, and she raised money to have it restored. Today, it houses a museum with art from around the world—including a statue of Athena that's almost as big as the original in Athens!

Midtown, Sylvan Park, the Gulch, and North Nashville

So there you have it: the story of how Nashville ended up with its very own Parthenon! If you're ever in town, also be sure to check out the surrounding up-and-coming areas like Midtown, Sylvan Park, the Gulch, and North Nashville -- they have beautiful homes and history.

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