Nashville's Athena Parthenos Nashville may be closely associated with country music and live performances but the Music City nickname is a relatively recent association. Up until the 1940s, Nashville was called “Athens of the South” because of all the universities, museums and cultural activities. Accordingly, the city’s most stunning landmark is a replica of the Athenian Parthenon. As the focal point for Centennial Park, a tour of this dramatic building is a Nashville must do. Originally constructed forTennessee’s1897 Centennial Exposition, the Nashville Parthenon is such an exact replica of the Athenian original that Greek builders came to Nashville to study the structure when they wanted to restore the ancient Athenian Parthenon. The towering columns and attention to detail are impressive up close but the show stopper is the gilded Athena statue. Looming 41 feet, 10 inches and weighing 12 tons, Athena Parthenos is a jaw-dropping spectacl...[more »]

This post is part of Uptake’s Wordless Wednesday Series. Words explaining why it is wordless don’t count. Photo: merfam via Flickr ...[more »]

The Fred Rogers Memorial Statue in Pittsburgh, PA is dedicated to the work and memory of Fred McFeely Rogers, host of the popular show for children (and those that love them), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The statue was created by Robert Berks, stands about 11 feet high, and was dedicated on November 5, 2009. I, like many Americans, grew up watching Mister Rogers, and to be honest I still think about him when I come home and trade my sneakers for slippers. You know what I’m talking about. If you find yourself in the North Shore area of Pittsburgh, close to Heinz Field (home of the Pittsburgh Steelers), do yourself a favor and pay your respects. I’m sure Mr. Rogers would love to see you. This post is part of Uptake’s Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series. Photo: daveynin via Flickr ...[more »]