In the 19th century, fairs and expositions were the rage, some local, some world fairs. in 1897, for Tennessees centennial, such an exposition was held in what later became known as Centenial Park. Everything was removed except for the replica of the Parthenon.
Nashville called itself the Athens of the south, so it made sense. The building fell into disrepair, since it wasn’t built with permanent materials. So the city recreated the building to almost exact measurements. In 1931 it opened, complete with a magnificent statue of the Goddess Athena.
Our first view was from the tour bus, we like to do a full round and then chose where to get off. This was a must.
But first:
First we stopped at Marathon motor company, Once again, wonderful old machinery with cool shops and a nice deli. I even tasted some whiskey in the tasting room of a new brewery – meh – way too sweet. Oh well.
Then we walked about a mile and a half to the Parthenon. Guess what, not a lot of people walk in Nashville – not once you are out of the main downtown areas. Not much different from LA.
The small dark entrance is how one gets in, the museum itself is in the basement.
The pediment and the griffins are as close a recreation as one can get.
And then you go inside….
…and meet Athena herself! Created from 1982-1990, out of gypsum cement and fiberglass, she stands 41’10” tall. Her base goes down into the basement of the building, to give her support.
Oh yes, that is real gold leaf – as in 8 pounds of gold. And yes, Medusa and snakes are part of the story.
The snake goes from front to back.
On her breast plate and on the shield we see Medusa, and no, no-one turned to stone. although I think these are some the battles that Athen helped with.
She holds the Nike, in this case, 6’4″ tall, that is a whole foot taller than I am.
Seen from the back.
Have I mentioned how much I love American ingenuity! I just love this, no it’s not tacky. In Ancient Greece it would have been painted in all kinds of garish colors – we did them better – Gold!
And now, on to Memphis.
Leah