10 Must-Visit Museums in Nashville

If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, be sure to explore the city’s vibrant museum scene. Aside from the famous Parthenon, which is an iconic landmark, Nashville is home to museums dedicated to art, history, music, and more. These institutions offer a glimpse into local culture and heritage, making them worth a visit.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is among Nashville’s most iconic attractions. Situated in the downtown entertainment district, this museum spans 40,000 square feet dedicated to country music history and memorabilia, showcasing items such as Webb Pierce’s Silver Dollar Cadillac.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art spans 55 picturesque acres, completed in 1932 by the Cheek family. Located just eight miles from downtown Nashville, the estate features 11 specialty gardens along with an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. Visiting in spring is particularly beautiful when over 100,000 tulips are in bloom. The venue also holds various classes, workshops, and festivals for all ages throughout the year.

Lane Motor Museum

The Lane Motor Museum showcases an extraordinary collection of 150 cars and motorcycles, many of which are rare in the United States. This museum features the largest collection of European vehicles in the country, including amphibious vehicles, competition vehicles, and prototypes. It offers a unique experience that differentiates it from typical automotive museums.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates all genres of music including country, rock, and funk. This establishment offers insight into the musicians and instruments responsible for creating some of the most celebrated recordings in history. Conveniently located on the first floor of the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, it is a must-visit for music enthusiasts.

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Housed in the historic Art Deco post office building on Broadway, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts is a cultural centerpiece. This venue offers an array of exhibitions featuring exquisite art, along with films, lectures, and family-friendly activities. Notably, visitors aged 18 and younger can enjoy free admission to the permanent exhibits.

Tennessee Central Railway Museum

The Tennessee Central Railway Museum is devoted to preserving the railroad heritage of Tennessee. It boasts a unique collection of historic equipment, including passenger cars, cabooses, and freight cars. Additionally, the museum operates passenger excursions throughout Middle Tennessee, offering a delightful journey into the joys of rail travel.

Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame covers 7,200 square feet in the Bridgestone Arena. This facility honors athletes, coaches, and sports writers who have contributed significantly to the history of sports in Tennessee. The museum also features interactive games and exhibits related to college football, basketball, and NASCAR, making it a dynamic experience for sports fans.

Tennessee State Museum

As one of the largest state museums in the United States, the Tennessee State Museum houses a remarkable collection of Native American artifacts, some dating back 15,000 years, alongside exhibits on more modern state history. Situated in the James K. Polk Cultural Center in downtown Nashville, the museum offers free access to all permanent exhibits.

Upper Room Chapel & Museum

The Upper Room Chapel welcomes over 25,000 visitors annually and features a stunning woodcarving of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” created by Ernest Pellegrini. The Upper Room Museum showcases an impressive permanent collection that reflects diverse international and interdenominational themes.

The Parthenon

Constructed in 1897, The Parthenon is an exact replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, centered around a grand statue of the goddess Athena. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of artworks by prominent American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, representing a rich cultural experience.