Commonly known as “Music City, the capital of Nashville is a music hub, especially country music. The most populated city in the state and the 21st most populous city in the nation, Nashville has a population of over 689,000 people and some wonderful museums ranging from music to science, history and art.
Museums In Nashville
20 Nashville Museums
1- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
You can’t go to Nashville without visiting The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum since it is so iconic and a must-see for country music fans.
Explore one of the world’s largest collections of country music artifacts and memorabilia, including exhibits on the genre’s most famous artists and influential figures.
Check out The Hall of Fame Rotund to see plaques honouring each of the country music Hall of Fame members.
Explore interactive exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages in The Taylor Swift Education Center.
Check the calendar for special events and sessions featuring some of today’s most prominent names in country music.
Open daily, advance timed ticketing is required, even if you have free admission, such as if you are a member.
While you can purchase tickets when you arrive, immediate museum entry is not guaranteed and you may need to wait a long time.
General Admission tickets are $27.95 for adults and $17.95 for children, but you can also purchase additional package experiences such as admission to the Hatch Show Print (discussed separately later), access to Studio B, or both.
The County Music Hall of Fame and Museum is at 222 Representative John Lewis Way South, Nashville, 37203. Skip the line and order your tickets here.
2- Johnny Cash Museum
Visit the #1 Music Museum in the world according to Forbes, Conde’ Naste, and National Geographic Traveler and the #1 Reader’s Choice 2023 Best Music Museum according to USA Today.
And it’s around the corner from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Dedicated to the life and legacy of one of country music’s most iconic figures, The Johnny Cash Museum features a vast collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and personal items from throughout Cash’s life and career.
Some highlights include handwritten lyrics, stage costumes, and instruments he played throughout his career.
Explore Cash’s life and music through interactive exhibits, including a recreation of his Dyess, Arkansas, childhood home.
Check out Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ next door for southern cuisine and live music performances.
Open daily, general admission is $24.95 + tax for adults and $20.95 + tax for children.
Reservation tickets are available online to avoid the line and are good for any day, but discounted tickets such as for AAA/Military/Senior/Student must be purchased on-site.
The Johnny Cash Museum is at 119 3rd Avenue South, Nashville, 37201.
3- Frist Art Museum
This world-renowned art museum features the finest visual art from local, state, and regional artists and major national and international exhibitions.
It’s housed in a stunning Art Deco building that used to be Nashville’s main post office with a 124,400-square-foot (11,557-square-meter) facility with nearly 40,000 square feet (3,716 square meters) of exhibition space.
The museum’s constantly changing exhibits feature works from various artists from ancient to contemporary times.
Be sure to check out Martin ArtQuest, the interactive art-making gallery for all ages with exhibit-related activities that change throughout the year.
In addition, they always have various programming and events, including tours, concerts, guided meditation, workshops and family days.
Open Thursday through Monday, general admission for adults is $15, with anyone under 18 being free and numerous discounts are also available.
Frist Art Museum is at 919 Broadway, Nashville, 37203.
4- National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM)
Check out the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to music in the United States.
Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations showcase the history and evolution of African American music across different genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.
Experience the music firsthand through virtual performances and interactive installations.
Use an RFID bracelet linked to your email address to save playlists, videos, and more as you journey through the museum.
The museum also offers educational programs and hosts live performances and events that showcase the talents of African American musicians and performers, so be sure to check their calendar for some fun music events.
Open daily, general admission is $24.95 for adults and $13.50 for children, with numerous discounts.
The National Museum of African American Music is at 510 Broadway Avenue, Nashville, 37203. Skip the line and order your tickets here.
5- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Take a walk through history and explore the historic home of former US President Andrew Jackson and his family.
Guided tours of the Hermitage mansion, filled with original furnishings and personal belongings of the Jackson family, provide a glimpse into the life and times of one of America’s most influential and controversial leaders at the plantation and museum.
Be sure to include some time to wander along the expansive grounds, which include walking trails, gardens, and a restored slave cabin showing the lives of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation.
Exhibits showcase the life and legacy of Jackson, his family, and the history of the Hermitage plantation.
Special events are relatively common, sometimes including discounted prices.
Open daily, the Mansion Tour offers access to the grounds, an interpreter-led tour of the mansion, and a discounted tasting at the onsite Natchez Hills Winery for $26 for adults and $17 for children.
They also offer a discounted family pass for two adults and two children at $80 and a discounted grounds-only pass.
You can also upgrade your experience with other special tours for additional prices.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is at 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, 37076.
6- Belle Meade Plantation
Another great option for a break from the city is a historic mansion and working farm that dates back to the 1800s, which offers various tours, tastings, and nature walks.
Belle Meade Plantation was once one of the country’s largest and most successful thoroughbred horse farms.
It later became a model for agricultural innovation and education, and today offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the plantation’s former owners.
The Mansion Tours for $28 showcase the original furnishings, artwork, and décor of the plantation’s former owners featuring life on the plantation during the 19th century.
The Journey to Jubilee Tour for $28 explores the stories of the African American slaves brought to and born at Belle Meade from 1807 through the years following Emancipation.
The Southern Food Traditions Tour for $40 explores the roots of many iconic Southern culinary foods and the stories and culture behind them with food samples.
The Plantation also focuses on the history of the plantation and its role in the development of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed.
The farm and stables offer live demonstrations of the farm’s horses and explain the history of thoroughbred horse breeding in the region.
Be sure to check out the on-site winery, which produces various wines and bourbons and offers tastings and tours.
Open daily, Belle Meade Plantation is at 110 Leake Avenue, Nashville, 37205.
7- Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
This historic mansion and botanical garden is on 55 acres (22.25 ha) of land just outside Nashville features a variety of parks, including Japanese gardens, a sculpture trail, and a children’s garden, as well as indoor galleries and exhibits.
The rotating exhibits and galleries display a wide range of art, including contemporary works and pieces from the estate’s permanent collection.
The estate portrays the American Country Place Era (1890-1930), which emerged after the Industrial Revolution due to the newfound wealth, focusing mainly on its inhabitants, the Cheek family, and its architect.
Cheekwood also offers regular concert series in the gardens or in the newly renovated Botanic Hall during winter months.
The on-site restaurant and café offer a variety of seasonal and locally sourced menu items, including picnics to enjoy on the grounds.
Traditionally open Tuesday – Sunday (but check their site ahead of time for variance depending on the season), admission to the gardens only is $20 for adults and $13 for children. Access to the historic estate is an extra $5 each.
The Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is at 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, 37205.
8- Adventure Science Center
Explore the world and beyond with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The Sudekum planetarium offers immersive shows that explore the night sky and the universe’s wonders.
Planetarium shows are an additional $9, while laser shows are $11.
The interactive exhibits range from exploring the human body and the natural world to experiment with robots and engineering challenges.
Crawl through a beating heart, go microscopic with Nano, tinker, learn about sound and media, and more.
Seasonal events and workshops offer more opportunities for visitors to learn and explore the world of STEM.
Open Thursday through Monday, advance time registration tickets are encouraged and admission is $22 for adults and $18 for children.
The Max Flight Full-Motion Simulator is $10 per rider.
Adventure Science Center is at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville, 37203.
9- Lane Motor Museum
Explore this collection of 150 rare and unusual cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles from around the world.
Lane Motor Museum focuses on vehicles not typically seen in other automotive museums, such as microcars, amphibious vehicles and prototypes that never went into production.
There are cars that run on alternative fuels or feature other environmentally-friendly features, and even a car that was designed to be driven sideways to show a glimpse into the history of automotive design and engineering.
The museum also features interactive exhibits to immerse you in the history and mechanics of the vehicles on display.
If you have kids, whether they love cars or not, the indoor kids’ play area provides miniature fun with car toys and tracks, colouring, and space to play.
Be sure to check for any special events and exhibits which feature different themes and collections throughout the year for all ages.
Open Thursday through Monday, admission is $12 for adults and $3 for children.
The Land Motor Museum is at 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, 37210.
10- Tennessee State Museum
Explore Tennessee’s history, culture, and art all in one spot.
Guided and self-guided tours of the nearby State Capitol are available, and you can also request a tour of the Tennessee Executive Residence at least two weeks in advance.
In the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, learn the story of the Clinton 12– the dozen brave young Black children who entered Clinton High School in 1956, making it the first desegregated public high school in the South.
The rotating exhibits showcase different aspects of Tennessee’s history and culture throughout the year.
The Children’s Gallery was designed for children ages 3 to 8 to explore Tennessee’s history and culture in whimsical, fun, hands-on activities encouraging movement and play.
The museum sits on the northwest corner of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, which honours Tennessee’s Bicentennial Celebration, on June 1, 1996, with 19 acres (7.7 ha) full of history and interesting sites.
There’s a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II Memorial, a 95-Bell Carillon, a Pathway of History, planters that show native species around the state, and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, admission is free.
The Tennessee State Museum is at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, 37208.
11- Tennessee Agricultural Museum
Dedicated to preserving the agricultural history of Tennessee, the museum showcases the state’s agricultural heritage, from early Native American farming practices to modern farming techniques, with over 3,000 artifacts across two levels of exhibits, an heirloom garden, and historic cabins.
The exhibits showcase antique farm equipment and tools, including tractors, ploughs and wagons.
The interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about Tennessee’s different types of crops and livestock raised.
Check out their calendar for seasonal events and demonstrations, including sheep shearing, blacksmithing, farming equipment shows, festivals, farm-to-table dinners, and traditional cooking.
Open Monday through Friday, admission is free for self-guided tours.
The Tennessee Agricultural Museum is at Ellington Agricultural Center, 404 Hogan Road, Nashville, 37220.
12- Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
If you are interested in exploring all genres of music, not just country, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see destination.
Honouring the contributions of musicians and session musicians to the music industry, the museum features the stories, instruments, and recordings of some of the most famous and influential musicians of all time.
Check out original instruments and equipment used by famous musicians in their recordings and performances.
The interactive exhibits, such as the Grammy Museum Gallery, allow visitors to learn about the different genres and eras of music and the music industry’s history and go behind the scenes on what it takes to cut a record.
The rotating exhibits and special events are fascinating, including concerts and workshops with famous musicians and industry professionals.
Open Monday to Saturday, admission is $28 for adults and $15 for children.
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is at 401 Gay Street, Nashville, 37201, on the first floor of the Historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The entrance is on Musicians Way. Skip the line and pre-order your tickets online here.
13- The Parthenon
Check out a replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
The Nashville version of the Parthenon was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition as an impressive full-scale replica of the original Parthenon, complete with a statue of Athena that stands 42 feet (12.8 meters) tall.
The permanent art exhibit inside the Parthenon features a collection of American paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Its concert offerings are also particularly well-known and worth checking for any that fall within your trip.
Be sure to leave some time to check out the park and grounds surrounding the Parthenon, which offer a peaceful setting for picnics and outdoor activities.
Open daily, admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children.
The Parthenon is at 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, 37203.
14- Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
If you are a sports fan, this museum in Nashville has you covered.
Dedicated to honouring the achievements of athletes and sports figures from Tennessee, the museum highlights the history and impact of sports in Tennessee, from high school and college athletics to professional teams and athletes.
Test your athletic abilities and skills in interactive exhibits, including a pitching simulator and basketball shooting game.
Check out memorabilia from famous Tennessee athletes, such as Peyton Manning and Wilma Rudolph.
Kids can dress up as a Nashville Predator or a Tennessee Titan and play a variety of activities throughout the museum.
Special events, including guest speakers and autograph signings with famous athletes and sports figures, are an exciting addition worth looking into.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, admission is currently free through the end of the year, thanks to a sponsor.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is in Bridgestone Arena at 501 Broadway, Nashville, 37203.
15- Belmont Mansion
Explore a historic house museum built in the mid-19th century, a prime example of Italianate architecture, on the campus of Belmont University.
The museum showcases the history and significance of the mansion and its former residents.
The guided tours of the mansion allow visitors to explore the many rooms with antique furniture, artwork, and other decorative objects that provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the mansion’s former residents as well as the history and architecture of the house.
Learn about the life and work of Adelicia Acklen, the original owner of the mansion and a prominent figure in Nashville’s history.
The gardens and grounds surrounding the mansion offer a beautiful and peaceful setting for a stroll or picnic.
Open daily, general admission for a self-guided walkthrough is $18, while a guided tour is $22. Specialty tours such as the Curator’s Tour and Civil War at Belmont range from $24 to $35. Reserve your tickets online here.
As it is at Belmont University, it doesn’t have an exact address, however, it is at Belmont Blvd & Acklen Avenue, Nashville, 37212.
Their visitor parking has a Google Maps pin, so you can search for Belmont Mansion Visitor Parking.
16- Fort Negley Visitors Center and Park
The Fort Negley Visitors Center and Park is a historic site and park featuring a reconstructed Civil War-era fort.
It explores the history and significance of the fort and its role in the Civil War through exhibits and programs.
The guided tours of the fort share a comprehensive understanding of the fort’s construction, use, and historical context.
Check out artifacts from the fort and the Civil War era, including weapons, uniforms, and other military equipment.
Be sure to plan some time for the park and trails surrounding the fort, which offer a beautiful and peaceful setting for a hike or picnic, with stunning views of downtown Nashville.
The park is open from dawn to dusk all year, while the Visitor Center is typically open Tuesday through Saturday with seasonal hours.
Both are free.
Fort Negley Visitor’s Center and Park is at 1100 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville, 37203.
17- Hatch Show Print
Experience a historic letterpress print shop and museum in downtown Nashville.
Founded in 1879, the print shop has a long history of producing high-quality, hand-crafted posters and advertisements for concerts, events, and other cultural institutions.
The guided tours of the print shop provide a behind-the-scenes look at the printing process and the company’s history.
Check out original posters and advertisements from the past century and create your own Hatch Show Print souvenir poster using the same techniques and equipment as the professionals.
Keep an eye out for workshops, but they also offer numerous educational resources on letter printing and even do custom work.
Open daily, tours are $22 for adults and $17 for children, but as we mentioned earlier, you can also choose combo tickets that include entry to the Country Music Hall of Fame and their special Studio B Tour. Reserve your tickets here.
Hatch Show Print is at 224 Representative John Lewis Way South, Nashville, 37203.
18- Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery
Explore a wide range of fine art from around the globe inside the Jean & Alexander Heard Libraries on Vanderbilt University Campus.
The permanent collection began with a donation of over a hundred Old Master and modern prints over 50 years ago and has expanded to its current size of over 8,000 pieces of art.
Its collections span numerous cultures with particular strengths in East Asian art; European Old Master paintings; Barbizon school paintings; and African, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian art and artifacts.
In addition, there are also temporary and travelling exhibits, for a total of three to four exhibitions every year.
Some recent notable acquisitions include works by photographer Adger Cowans, musician Dr. Yusef Lateef, printmaker Emily Arthur, sculptor John Chamberlain, mixed media artist Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, and printmakers Lesley Dill and Allison Saar.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, admission is free.
Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery is in the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at 419 21st Avenue South, Nashville, 37203.
19- The Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Explore the history and preservation of railroads in Tennessee with train excursions, guided tours, and exhibits featuring historic railroad equipment and artifacts.
The train excursions on vintage equipment allow visitors to experience the thrill of train travel as it was in the early 20th century, taking visitors through scenic countryside and historic towns in Tennessee.
There are different themes and offerings onboard, from six to seven-hour murder mystery and wine tastings to more family-friendly and typically shorter trips such as Easter Bunny Express and North Pole Express.
The museum offers guided tours of its facilities and exhibits, which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the history and significance of railroads in Tennessee.
Excursions are $60-$150, depending on seating location, the theme, and what is included.
The Tennessee Central Railway Museum building and grounds are open Saturdays and at 220 Willow Street, Nashville, 37210.
20- Jefferson Street Sound Museum
A true classic Nashville institution, the Jefferson Street Sound Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and legacy of the Jefferson Street music scene, a hub of African American music in the mid-20th century.
Explore artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that document the history of the Jefferson Street music scene, including the venues, performers, and audiences that made it a vibrant and important part of Nashville’s cultural landscape.
The museum focuses on community involvement and engagement, with programs and events that bring together musicians, historians, and local residents to celebrate and preserve the Jefferson Street music scene so be sure to check their calendar for offerings.
Scheduled tours Tuesday through Thursday are encouraged, while public open tours are offered on Saturday. General admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, college students, military personnel, and children over 7 (children under 7 are free).
The Jefferson Street Sound Museum is at 2004 Jefferson Street, Nashville, 37208.
Different types of museums around the world:
