Best Museums In Nashville
Discover Nashville’s Cultural Gems: Museums that Sing with History and Artistry
Exploring Nashville’s vibrant cultural tapestry goes beyond its renowned music scene; it delves deep into its museum landscape, offering enriching experiences for locals and tourists alike. Nestled within its bustling streets are some of the finest museums in the United States, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse history, artistry, and innovation.
From the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame, which celebrates the heart and soul of country music, to the Frist Art Museum, a beacon of contemporary art, Nashville’s museums promise a journey through history, art, and innovation. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking inspiration, these museums encapsulate the essence of Nashville’s dynamic cultural landscape, inviting visitors to uncover the city’s treasures one exhibit at a time.
In this curated guide, we highlight the city’s top museums, inviting both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Nashville’s cultural heritage and artistic expression. From iconic institutions dedicated to preserving the legacy of country music to contemporary art galleries showcasing local talent and global masterpieces, Nashville’s museums offer a captivating journey through time and creativity.
Ready to get started?
#1: Frist Art Museum
The Frist is the best art museum in Tennessee. Even without standing exhibits, they rotate in most major art tours and always have something fascinating to learn. Find a complete list of their current, past, and upcoming exhibits on the website.
615.244.3340
#2: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Music City hosts the Country Music Hall of Fame because Nashville is the country’s music capital. It was Launched in 1974. The Hall of Fame is entertaining, but the museum has memorabilia from the country’s most influential artists and TV shows, including clothing, instruments, and notebooks from Hank Williams and Willie Nelson. Plus, CMA often hosts live events that are super fun and inclusive, even for folks new to banjos and fiddles. The latest addition to CMA is the Taylor Swift Learning Center, which hosts classes on various subjects all year.
615.416.2001
#3: The Johnny Cash Museum
The most incredible country musician gets a museum all to himself, and it only takes about an hour to tour. Since it is self-guided, guests can take as much or little time as they desire. Visitors are invited to the Johnny Cash Bar and BBQ for beverages and smoked meats. Plus, they have a gift shop for the fans of the Man in Black.
615.256.1777
#4: Tennessee State Museum
The perfect place to learn about the state’s rich history. The landmark can trace its roots back to when it was opened by an artist in 1817. It remained a small, privately funded effort until 1937, when the general assembly agreed to fund a state museum for World War I memorabilia. The existing location was decided on in 2015 and offers rotating displays of art exhibits. Their permanent exhibits include the Tennessee Time Tunnel, full of blurbs throughout the years for an overview of the state’s history. The First Peoples exhibit outlines the history and artifice of the native Americans who lived here before Tennessee was a state of the Union. Forging a Nation follows the journey of settlers. The natural History exhibit is about flora and fauna. Their permanent exhibition regards its role in the war between the States.
615.741.2692
#5: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
The historical estate of the 7th president has been converted into a museum honoring the life and legacy of Andrew Jackson. It is set in the mansion but extends over 1,000 acres. Visitors can see the gardens, library, and the president’s tomb; they even host wine tastings.
615.889.2941
#6: Lane Motor Museum
This museum is its namesake: motors, which has the biggest European car collection. They also feature motorbikes and even amphibious vehicles. They drive a few cars daily for a warm-up, encouraging an earlier visit – demonstrations for no extra charge at 11 A.M.
615.742.7445
Preferred Lender
888.407.2102 | info@wesleymortgage.com
As the Official Mortgage Provider of The Tennessee Titans, Wesley Mortgage turns home ownership dreams into reality thanks to our exemplary customer service, expedited closing times, and reinvestments back in to Middle Tennessee. It’s the mortgage that does more; more for you and more for your community.
Known for “Doing All The Good You Can,” local lender, Wesley Mortgage, lives up to that promise. The founder, Chuck McDowell, is a Middle Tennessee native who has witnessed this area’s massive growth in recent years. As a successful entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience, Chuck created Wesley Mortgage as a company designed from the ground up to give back to the people and organizations that make Nashville great
