You may not have noticed but the U.S. actually has a giant Greek structure, a replica of the Parthenon in it. This is also not just a replica, but to size, as exact as they were allowed to build it, replica of what the Parthenon would have looked like in ancient Greece. What may be weirder is that it’s actually placed music city.
I personally have not been to Greece as of yet so being able to visit something like this was extremely exciting. This Parthenon is in Nashville, Tennessee, right in the center of Centennial Park.
Obviously, this thing is absolutely huge. Originally the Parthenon was only temporary, but having the nickname of “Athens of the South”, they decided to make it a permanent fixture. This time it was built to be an exact replica, and as accurate as scholars would allow them to. In 1920, the construction began.
It wasn’t only the outside that was going to be replicated. The inside as well as constructed to look as it would have in the ancient world. This Parthenon had these amazing, giant bronze doors. They’re 6.5 feet wide, 24 feet high, and 1 foot thick. They also weigh 7.5 tons. The doors on the real Parthenon were likely made of wood and decorated with bronze. These doors, which match each other on both sides of the building, are decorated to represent Athena. On top is a ram to symbolize fierceness, the center is Medusa (Because of course), and lastly below her is a lion to represent courage. They are bronze relief sculptures coming off of the door itself.
This is a massive time skip, but this Parthenon was finally completely finished in 2002. There were a lot of set backs financially, but the building was still used when it wasn’t finished as an art gallery. Once the Athena was finished off in gold, she now resembles what she would have looked like inside the real Parthenon, not just as a sculpture but painted too. Much of ancient Greek art was painted, but unfortunately over time the paint was lost.
Athena is 42 feet tall, and I have a me for scale. I am 5’9′ ish (I wear platforms), if that helps to compare. Athena was very overwhelming, and there was so much detail on her, it was hard to take it all in. Additional relief sculptures come off of her sandals, as well as the platform she stands on. On her shield was a painting of the Gigantomachy, which was the battle between the Gods and the Giants. Next to her is a snake, symbolizing her victory through death and destruction. The infamous Medusa’s head was fixed onto her aegis, similar to a breast plate, to further her power is also included on this sculpture. She holds Nike in her hand, the Goddess of Victory. The two are often seen paired together.
If you’re ever in a position to see the Parthenon in Nashville, I recommend it completely. All the history of the building itself is in a small museum under the main floor where Athena is. It also includes 19th and 20th century paintings done by American artists in a gallery also under the main floor. You’ll be floored at how large everything, as pictures just cannot do it justice.
Citations
Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation. (n.d.). Mission & History. The Parthenon. https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com/history
Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. (n.d.). The parthenon. Nashville.gov. https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/parthenon