Visiting the Nashville Parthenon
Explore Nashville Parthenon’s art and history in the world’s only full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens. Inside you will learn the history of Centennial Park, Greek Mythology and experience a full art gallery.
Just outside of downtown Nashville, in the middle of Centennial Park, sits a Parthenon. We went for the first time on a Sunday morning in July. It was hot and the park was already busy. Unfortunately, the Nashville Parthenon opens later on Sundays, so we were not able to go in since we were on a schedule. But it gave us a little time to explore the park and the pond.
The park surrounding the Parthenon is a nice place for a walk or a bike ride. There were educational stops along the path for the kids as well as a story walk. Benches (one even dedicated to Taylor Swift) are placed around so you could sit and enjoy the scenery and there’s plenty of open space to throw a Frisbee.
On our way back home we made a point to come back to Nashville. I am glad we did as the interior just adds a whole new level to the experience of the Parthenon’s art and history.
Nashville Parthenon Location and Hours
The Parthenon – Located in Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
Open daily, hours vary and is open year round.
Admission prices:
Regular Admission (Ages 18-61)…$10.00
Child Admission (Ages 4-17)…$8.00
Senior Admission (Ages 62+)…$8.00
A few things you will see:
Centennial Park where the Parthenon sits is a nicely manicured park. There is a bench dedicated to Taylor Swift, kids playground, walking trials, pond, variety of trees, the private art collection of James M. Cowan, other rotating art exhibits, a statue of Athena over 40 feet tall and more.
Useful Information:
- Entrance – The entrance is located at the North West side. Below the building, not through the huge bronze doors.
- Tickets – Tickets can be purchased inside.
- Time – This is a self-guided tour that takes at least an hour. An hour on the grounds at minimum is also recommended.
- Clothing/Shoes/Backpack/Purse – There is only walking so decent walking shoes are recommended. You are in Nashville, so it is HOT, check the weather and dress accordingly.
- Food/Picnic – No food or drinks are allowed inside the Nashville Parthenon. There is no restaurant on the grounds but there was a hot dog vendor outside when we were there. If you have a picnic blanket there is plenty of space.
- Pets – No pets, aside from service animals, are allowed in the building.
- Bikes – Bike racks are available.
- Accessibility – Handicap ramps are inside the building as well as an elevator
- Wi-Fi – Available
- Bathrooms – Located inside the building.
Brief History
Constructed for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897, this iconic landmark closely emulates its Greek counterpart. Since at the time Nashville was nicknamed the “Athens of the South”, it was very fitting.
The Nashville Parthenon was only meant to last 6 months. But it kept standing for 20 years until its sculptures began to decay.
Renovations over the years have been done since it sat empty for some time. In 1931, it was reopened to the public. More work has gone into it since. Most notably is the addition of Athena in the 1980s.
A towering 42-foot replica of the Greek goddess Athena stands in the upper gallery, while the first level serves as an art gallery, housing a collection of American paintings. Situated in Centennial Park, the Nashville Parthenon remains a cultural attraction and educational venue, offering insight into ancient Greek mythology, culture and history.
There is so much to learn about Nashville’s Parthenon’s art and history. Along the way you will get a chance to learn more about Athen and her shield.
Nashville Parthenon Art Exhibits
On the first level, the Parthenon’s art exhibit will feature different artists throughout the year. Displaying a variety of media and styles, including paintings, sculptures and photography.
When we were there, London Amara was the featured artist and photographer. She has permanent displays other places. You can learn more about her at www.londonamara.com
Some other artist who have had their work displayed here are photographer Emily Dorio and artist Karen Elson, Painter Lakesha Moore, sculptor Desmond Lewis, and photographer Houston Cofield.
Art Collection
The Cowan Collection in the Nashville Parthenon is a permanent art exhibit also on the first level consisting of over 60 pieces. These feature American art. These were all donated by James M. Cowan in 1927 to the city of Nashville.
The collection includes art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some artist you will see here are Emil Carlsen, William Merritt Chase and Georgia O’Keeffe to name a few.
You can ready more about Cowan and his collection at the museum.
The Nashville Parthenon’s art exhibits offer something for just about everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a fan of architecture, classical art, American art, or contemporary art, you are sure to find something to appreciate at the Parthenon.
Nashville Parthenon Greek architecture
Learn about Greek architecture in the Role of a Replica gallery. This is a hands-on exhibit that explorers ancient Greek art and architecture. This is a place to investigate how replicas help us learn and see the latest Parthenon discoveries.
You can also learn how artists and historians worked together to recreate the lost 42-foot statue of Athena. There are many different puzzles and fun learning interactives.
What to Expect at the Nashville Parthenon
Location
The Parthenon is located in the center of Centennial Park just outside of downtown Nashville.
Nashville Parthenon Hours
Open daily, hours vary.
Sun-Mon 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Tues-Thurs 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri-Sat 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Check their website for updates as they do also host events and partner with schools
Nashville Parthenon Tickets
Ticket options are:
CPC members are Free https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com/membership
Regular Admission (Ages 18-61)…$10.00
Child Admission (Ages 4-17)…$8.00
Senior Admission (Ages 62+)…$8.00
Under the age of 4 are Free. Active-duty military and their families are Free Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Discounts are available for educators, military and college students.
Parking at the Parthenon
Parking is located next to the building and is free
Food/Where to Eat
In Nashville the food choices are endless! While we were here, we ate at Hattie B’s Chicken and Caney Fork.
Caney Fork has a large menu featuring southern food and wild game like elk, venison, alligator and frog legs. This place was pretty cool with its lodge style atmosphere and live music. The catfish was great. For the price I thought the portions were a bit small but there was enough food. I was not a fan of the deep-fried corn on the cob though.
Mimi’s is an ice cream shop and coffee shoppe attached. You can get some specialty flavor ice creams like oatmeal cream pie and southern blackberry cobbler. I tried the oatmeal cream pie flavor, and I was not disappointed.
Caney Fork River Valley Grille
2400 Music Valley Dr
Nashville, TN 37214
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken has a line out the door for people waiting to get in for this sought after chicken. Do not be intimidated by the line, it moves at a decent pace. The chicken has many spice levels to choose from, and there are many different side options and highly recommended banana pudding. I had the chicken sandwich, potato salad and banana pudding. This was one of the best lunches I have had.
There are 4 locations in Nashville but this one is the closest to the Parthenon. There is not a lot of parking out front but there is parking available down the street.
If you cannot get in to Hattie B’s try out Red’s Hot Chicken. It is just south of Centennial Park and this place has rave reviews. On my list for the next time we are in town since we did not get a chance this time.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
112 19th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203
hattieb.com
More places to eat in Nashville
Elliston Place Soda Shop, I wish we had time to stop here. Next time we are in Nashville this place is on my list! The homemade fresh pies are piled high and the old fashioned atmosphere looks so fun. It is a soda fountain that also serves food. Like fried green tomatoes, fried catfish and hushpuppies. If you visit their website (website link here), you can see a quick video of the inside and a glimpse of those pies!
Elliston Place Soda Shop
2105 Elliston Pl.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.ellistonplacesodashop.com
The Local Nashville is a bar and music venue. They serve local/regional brews and partner with some local farmers to source some ingredients for their food menu.
The Local Nashville
110 28th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.localnash.com
Some other close places are:
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
2400 Elliston Pl.
Nashville, TN 37203
Swett’s
Sounthern cooking cafeteria style
2725 Clifton Ave.
Nashville, TN 37209
Not near the Parthenon but over by the Grand Ole Opry is Aquarium Restaurant. It is located inside the mall and gets very busy so you will want to get a reservation if you go. Here they have indoor fish tanks around the tables. They even have live mermaids at certain times. We tried to get in but they were booked for the evening. Looks neat from the pictures I saw.
Aquarium Restaurant
516 Opry Mills Dr
Nashville, TN 37214
www.aquariumrestaurants.com
Where to stay near the Parthenon
Once again, there are so many places to choose from but here are some of the closest ones with good reviews. Vanderbilt University is right there so be aware of the school’s schedule.
Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Vanderbilt-Elliston Place
2330 Elliston Pl.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.hilton.com
Free Breakfast, pool and pet friendly
Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt (Dwtn), an IHG Hotel
2613 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.ihg.com
Pool and pet friendly
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Nashville Near Vanderbilt
109 29th Ave N.
Nashville, TN 37203
www.marriott.com
Free breakfast, pool and pet friendly
Here are some other places to stay with some character if you are looking for something a little different.
The Dive Motel
This place is adult only but pet friendly. Has a neat retro style and 23 themed rooms.
1414 Dickerson Pike.
Nashville, TN 37207
thedivemotel.com
Urban Cowboy
8 Unique suites located in a Victorian mansion for ages 21+
1603 Woodland St.
Nashville, TN 37206
www.urbancowboy.com
The Timothy Demonbreun House
A B&B with free breakfast, pool, kids pool, playground and bike rentals
746 Benton Ave.
Nashville, TN 37204-2208
(615)398-1780
Book through Trip Advisor
Nearby Attractions and other things to do in Nashville
Climb Nashville West
Rock climbing gym
3600 Charlotte Ave.
Nashville, TN 37209
theclimbgyms.com
Belmont Mansion
The largest house built in Tennessee prior to the Civil War
Belmont University campus corner of Acklen Avenue & Belmont Blvd – behind Freeman Hall, 1901 15th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
www.belmontmansion.com
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Pk
Nashville, TN 37211
www.nashvillezoo.org
Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery
Considered to be a “hidden gem”. This free art gallery makes a nice quick stop. Some say the entrance is a bit hard to find
Hall Cohen Memorial
1220 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203
https://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/gallery/
And of course there are the famous stops like:
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S.
Nashville, TN 37203
https://countrymusichalloffame.org/
Johnny Cash Museum
119 3rd Ave S
Nashville, TN 37201
http://www.johnnycashmuseum.com/
National Museum of African American Music
510 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
https://www.nmaam.org/
Tips and Advice
Tips and Advice: Do not rely on the port a potties near the playground. They were awful! I did not see any other restrooms outside, but I may have just missed them. Bathrooms are inside the Parthenon if you get a chance to go in. They are right inside the entrance so you should be able to use them for free.
As a mom and a person who drinks a lot of water and coffee, the bathroom situation is always on my radar.
You can spend most of the day here if you are looking for a place to slow down for the day. Try to save time to learn all about Nashville’s Parthenon’s art and history.
If you are in a hurry and do not have to go in, it is at least worth a drive by.
Also, there is a dog park across the street. It is still considered Centennial Park. You can find more info on that here at www.nashville.gov
The information is courtesy of The Parthenon’s website (www.nashvilleparthenon.com) and personal experience. All info was accurate the time of writing this and will keep as updated as possible.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
