The world’s only replica of the Parthenon, regarded as an epitome of Greek culture, was the central building at Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition from May 1 through October 31, 1897. The original temple was dedicated to Athena, Greek Goddess of Wisdom, and occupied the most sacred area in ancient Greece, the crest of the Acropolis, a hill overlooking Athens. Major Eugene C. Lewis, director of the Centennial, believed a reproduction of the Greek masterwork serving as a gallery of fine arts would inspire a love of beauty and a spirit of excellence. Colonel William C. Smith served as architect, George J. Zolnay as sculptor, Edward Laurent as contractor for the building, and Foster and Creighton as contractors for the foundation. The exposition’s reception as the first in the nation to be both an artistic and financial success, along with public response to the Parthenon, led to the decision that although it was made of temporary materials, it should be reconstructed on a permanent basis. Construction began in 1921, the exterior was completed in 1925, and because of lack of funds the Parthenon as it stands today did not open to the public until May 20, 1931. Hart, Freeland and Roberts, with William B. Dinsmoor consulting, served as architects; George J. Zolnay, Leopold Scholz, and Belle Linney Scholz as sculptors; and Foster and Creighton as general contractors. Others who contributed to the work included John J. Early Company, General Bronze Corporation, John Bouchard and Sons, Herbrice and Lawrence H.E. Parmer, J.J. Hutchinson and Son, J.O. Kirkpatrick, Charles A. Howell Art Mosaic and Tile Company, and A. T. Kanaday. The Board of Park Commissioners included Robert M. Dudley, M.T. Bryan, Lee J. Loventhal, W.R. Cole, Robert T. Creighton, Charles M. McCabe, Percy Warner, Rogers Coldwell, J.R.W. Brown, and Edwin Warner.
