An impressive permanent art collection, wonderful touring exhibits and a large sculpture of Athena.

by Contributor

In Short
Created as a replica of the Parthenon in Athens for Tennessee's centennial celebration in 1897, the building houses Athena Parthenos, the largest piece of indoor sculpture in the Western world. Downstairs, the Parthenon art galleries include the Cowan Collection, a permanent exhibit that contains 63 works by American painters like William Merritt Chase and Winslow Homer. This city-owned museum also hosts national touring exhibits.

10/18/02

not so great

by mmontes

The Parthenon is nice, but would be nicer if the little pond next to it was better taken care of, had more places for people to sit at and cars weren't in the way. It has great potential to be a place to go walk and admire, but it's lacking beauty.

08/22/02

It's Greek To Me

by Panda27a

This is the only exact size replica of the original. I was impressed with the history and the artifacts. The art gallery was the appropriate size for the building. They were in the middle of guilding their huge Athena statue which obstructed viewing. I would love to see her when they are finished.

• Pros: Very Informative, Moderately Priced, Close to Hog Heaven
• Cons: Kids Might Be Bored

07/30/02

when was the last time you stopped by

by keith73

I lived in Nashville for 4 years before I went to see the Parthenon with family visiting from out of town and was totally blown away. A must see for anyone who is interested in Greek mythology, but what surprised me most was the artwork and Nashville history that I found. Learning how the Parthenon came to be in Nashville was a real eye opener and a look into Nashville's past. Plus there are always events going on in Centennial park, that make this a cool place to hang out. Watch for an art show to appear, admission is free during the time of the show.

• Pros: good parking, great history, inexpensive
• Cons: more guides

07/29/02

love that greek mythology

by mom2boys

i remember going to the parthenon with my eighth grade class in 1968. everything was even bigger then. imagine my delight to go with my husband and two sons thirty-three years later. we especially enjoyed the informative tours and the exploring of the greek gods and goddesses. i think my kids will probably take their kids to the parthenon someday.

07/19/02

Even if you've seen the Real Thing...

by nashchick

It's still worth a visit for the art displays and the experience of going to a Grecian monument in the South. It's just one of those Nashville things, y'know?

05/21/02

A must stop for tourists

by PatrickRains

The Parthenon is an amazing structure many Nashvillians take for granted. The Athena statue is worth price of admission.

• Pros: Athena