Parthenon FAQ's
Have a question about the Partheon? Take a look at this list of questions and answers to see if someone may have asked it before. If you don't see it, please send us an e-mail.
Q:
What size shoe does Athena wear?" - M.C. - Nashville, TN
A: We can only approximate what size sandal the Athena statue is
wearing at the Parthenon since her wardrobe is covering the back of her
shoes. By our best estimate, Athena wears a woman's size 177.
Q:
I would like to visit the Parthenon. Can you tell me the physical address
so I can get exact directions on MapQuest? - N.R. - no city given.
A: The Parthenon is inside of Centennial Park in Nashville, Tennessee.
Since we are inside a city park, we do not have a physical address other
than 2600 West End Avenue. This should provide directions to Centennial
Park. Once inside the park, follow the signs to Parthenon parking.
Note: For a map and driving directions, you can also visit our
directions page.
Q: Can
you tell me what happened to the hedge maze that was in Centennial Park
in the 1920s? - J. - England
A: I'm sorry I do not have much information on the hedge maze that
was in the park in the 1920s. The earliest photograph I have of the maze
is dated circa 1907. After the 1897 Tennessee Centennial, the exposition
grounds became a city park in 1902. It is my understanding that most of
the landscaping in Centennial Park began about that time. I've looked
at many photographs of the Parthenon in the 1930s and I don't see the
maze. It may have been gone by 1931 when the Parthenon was reconstructed.
I will keep your email in case I find more information.
Q:
Why did they build a replica of the Parthenon in Nashville and who's idea
was it? - D.L. - Nashville, Tennessee
A: The Parthenon in Nashville was originally built as the centerpiece
of the Tennessee
Centennial Exposition of 1897. The Exposition celebrated 100 years
of Tennessee statehood.
As far as who came up with the idea to build a replica of the Parthenon,
the credit goes to E.C. Lewis. Lewis worked for the Nashville, Chattanooga
and St. Louis Railway. The NC&SL was the major financial contributor
to the fair. Lewis suggested that the city of Nashville, the Athens of
the South, build the ultimate classical form as their contribution to
the Centennial, the Parthenon.
The Centennial lasted only 6 months and they disassembled or sold off
all of the buildings slowly…except the Parthenon. The Parthenon stood
here as a plaster building for 23 years. The area became Centennial Park,
a city park, and the city decided to rebuild the Parthenon out of permanent
materials in the 1920s. At this time the city decided to make the interior
of the building a replica of the ancient building. This new permanent
structure is cast aggregate concrete and re-opened as a museum in 1931.
Q:
Can you use the Parthenon for parties?
A: Yes, the Parthenon is available for private receptions. Rather
than “renting” the facility, using the building is a benefit
of membership in The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park. By joining The Conservancy at the Olympian level, you may have your event in the Parthenon after business hours.
To see the costs and other benefits of an Olympian membership, check out
the the Conservancy page on our Web site.
A: A page with the Parthenon's measurements can be downloaded from Teachers Tools on the Education Resources page.