Timeline at the Parthenon
1895
Tennessee Centennial organizers lay the first foundation stone of the Nashville Parthenon. The Parthenon, made of plaster, wood and brick, is the first building to begin construction for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.
1897
The Tennessee Centennial Exposition is held May 1 - October 30, 1897. Like a world's fair, all the exhibit buildings are temporary and made of inexpensive materials. Over the six month duration, approximately 1.8 million people attend the Centennial.
1898
The majority of the Centennial buildings are moved or destroyed. The Parthenon remains the centerpiece of the empty fair grounds.
1901
The Nashville Board of Parks is created.
1902
Centennial Park is established out of much of the Tennessee Centennial grounds. The Parthenon stands at the center of the new municipal park.
1915
The temporary nature of the plaster Centennial Parthenon is obvious. The pediment sculptures are removed for safety reasons.
1920
The city of Nashville decides to make the Parthenon a permanent aggregate concrete structure. Local architect Russell Hart is hired for the reconstruction. See the photos.
1925
The exterior of the newly reconstructed Parthenon is complete.
1927
From 1927 - 1929, James Cowan donates 63 paintings to the city of Nashville with the understanding that they will hang in the newly renovated Parthenon.
1931
The interior of the replica is complete. The Parthenon re-opens to the public as a city museum on May 20, 1931.
1954 - 1967
The Harvey's Nativity Scene is displayed in front of the Parthenon every Christmas.
1982
Alan LeQuire is commissioned to re-create Athena Parthenos in Nashville.
1987 - 1988
Interior renovation of the lower level is completed, providing improved galleries, art storage, exhibit prep areas, a new gift shop, and expanded restroom facilities.
1990
The Nashville Athena Parthenos is unveiled to the public on May 20, 1990.
1991
A fence surrounds the Parthenon as restoration begins.
2001
The restoration of Nashville's Parthenon is complete and the official unveiling celebration is held on December 31, 2001.
2002
June 3 - the Athena statue is placed back in scaffolding as the gilding process begins. The statue is being gilded in gold to more closely resemble the original Athena Parthenos.