PROJECT:

Parthenon at Centennial Park, Nashville, TN

The Parthenon stands as a symbol to all of Nashville’s reputation as the Athens of the South. Initially constructed as the centerpiece of the 1869 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the original was considered a temporary structure only and, thus, was constructed of wood, plaster and brick. However, the people of Nashville adopted the classic symbol as their own so it remained even after the close of the Exposition. The temporary nature of the building meant that it simply could not withstand the rigors of time.

Thus, Russell Hart of Hart Freeland Roberts, working with William B. Dinsmoor, a New York architect and archaeologist, took on the challenge of making permanent this well-loved historical landmark. Based on studies conducted by Mr. Dinsmoor, the reconstruction mirrors the dimensions of the original Parthenon in Athens to one eighth of an inch. The exterior of the building has the look of white Panhellenic marble which is achieved through the use of concrete composed of Potomac River gravel, crushed ceramic tile and quartz. Pediment sculptures and bronze doors weighing approximately 7 ½ tons complete the look of this classic structure.