Looking for the best museums in Nashville? When you think of Nashville, you probably think of Country Music. It’s true that you’ll find lots of different music museums in Nashville related to Country Music in the Music City, with numerous exhibits dedicated to artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Glen Campbell. But you might be surprised to find tons of Nashville museums covering science, art, history, and more.
Here’s an overview of 16 unique and interesting museums in Nashville. Many are easily within reach via public transportation if you’re just visiting the area!
Table of Contents
Art Museums in Nashville
Nashville is home to a growing art scene as unique as its music scene. Here are the best art exhibits and museums in Nashville to explore!
Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery | One of the Best Free Museums in Nashville With a Large Historic Art Collection
Located in the Jean & Alexander Heard Libraries on the beautiful campus of Vanderbilt University, the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery houses over 7,000 works and is the only art historical collection in the Nashville area. This is one of the only free art museums in Nashville TN and it features East Asian art, works from European Masters, the Ancient World, African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and more.
Well-known names in American art like Mary Cassatt and James McNeill Whistler are represented in the collection. If you’re looking for free museums in Nashville, this is a can’t-miss attraction.
Museum hours & location:
- 419 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 322-2800
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year. Holiday closures follow the University schedule.
Frist Art Museum | Ever-Changing Art Exhibits in a Historic Building
Opened in 2001, the Frist Art Museum has become one of the most prestigious museums in Nashville Tennessee. This exhibition hall is located in the historic U.S. Post Office building in The Gulch neighborhood. Explore ever-changing exhibits of local, national, and international art collections. Current exhibits include Tennessee Harvest: 1870s–1920s and Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga.
Museum hours & location:
- 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 244-3340
- Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm Monday, Friday, and Saturday; 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm Sunday; 10 am to 9 pm Thursday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
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Music Museums in Nashville
Nashville is a dream destination for music lovers, and the incredible music museums in Nashville Tennessee celebrate the city’s rich musical legacy and talented musicians and songwriters. Here’s a look at four must-visit museums that showcase everything from country legends to unsung studio musicians.
Country Music Hall of Fame | One of the Most Striking Museums in Nashville With Iconic Artifacts
The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum is the ultimate shrine to country music history. Its vast collection includes historic artifacts, costumes, gold records, and even iconic instruments like Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac and Patsy Cline’s handwritten lyrics. One of the highlights is the Rotunda, where plaques honor Hall of Fame inductees, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams. You can also step inside the Hatch Show Print shop, which has been creating legendary concert posters since 1879.
Be sure to pay attention to the unique architectural features that make the Country Music Hall of Fame a landmark in the Nashville skyline. Note the front wall, shaped like a bass clef, with windows inspired by black piano keys. The roof has four disc-shaped levels representing the evolution of music recording technology. The tower that rises from the Rotunda is designed to resemble station WSM’s radio tower which helped spread country music.
Museum hours & location:
- 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 416-2001
- Open daily 9 am to 5 pm
Johnny Cash Museum | Features an Extensive Collection of Memorabilia & Stage Costumes
Dedicated to the “Man in Black,” the Johnny Cash Museum is a must for fans of the country icon. This museum houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Cash memorabilia, including his stage costumes, handwritten letters, and personal artifacts. Standout exhibits feature Cash’s Grammy Awards, his famous prison concert footage, and even his military uniform from his time in the Air Force. The intimate setting makes it feel like a personal tribute to one of music’s greatest storytellers.
Museum hours & location:
- Johnny Cash Museum, 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
- (615) 256-1777
- Open daily 9 am to 7 pm
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Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at Historic Nashville Auditorium
Unlike other museums in Nashville that focus on stars, this hidden gem honors session musicians like A-Team, Booker T, and the Memphis Boys – the unsung heroes behind the biggest hits. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates those who played in iconic recording sessions for artists like Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan.
Interactive exhibits let visitors experience what it’s like to be in a recording studio, and the museum features original instruments used in famous recordings. If you love the behind-the-scenes magic of recording sessions, this is the place to be.
Museum hours & location:
- Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, 401 Gay St, Nashville, TN 37219
- (615) 244-3263
- Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm (closed Sundays)
National Museum of African American Music | One of the Best Museums in Nashville for Music Lovers
A newer addition to the dozens of museums in Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) tells the story of how African American artists shaped almost every genre of music. From genres like blues and jazz to hip-hop and R&B, the exhibits highlight the profound influence of Black musicians. Interactive displays allow visitors to mix their own beats or learn about legends like Aretha Franklin, Prince, and Louis Armstrong. The museum doesn’t just celebrate history—it immerses you in the sound and soul of American music.
Museum hours & location:
- 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 301-8724
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday and Monday 12 pm to 5 pm
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Car Museums in Nashville
Car enthusiasts will find two highly rated automotive museums in Nashville showcasing unique, rare, vintage, and antique vehicles. Here’s where you can see everything from century-old experimental vehicles to cars from the Dukes of Hazzard!
Lane Motor Museum | One of the Must-Visit Museums in Nashville for Vintage Car Enthusiasts
If you have a passion for rare and unusual automobiles, the Lane Motor Museum is a must-visit. This hidden gem houses one of the most eclectic collections of cars in the country, with over 500 vehicles from 25 different countries, many of which you won’t see anywhere else.
Highlights include:
- The world’s smallest street-legal car, the 1964 Peel P50.
- One-of-a-kind microcars, propeller-driven vehicles, and amphibious cars that defy traditional automotive design.
- A rare 1932 Helicron, a propeller-powered car that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
- European, military, and experimental cars, all in working condition and occasionally demonstrated for visitors.
Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the creativity and engineering behind these vehicles make this museum an unforgettable experience.
Museum hours & location:
- 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210
- (615) 742-7445
- Open 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Cooter’s Place | One of the Coolest Free Museums In Nashville
If you’re a fan of the Dukes of Hazzard, you have to check out one of the best Nashville museums, Cooter’s Place! This Dukes of Hazzard museum is run by actor Ben Jones, who played Cooter on the popular TV show.
The museum houses lots of memorabilia from the show, such as pictures, props, costumes, and several of the famous Dukes of Hazzard vehicles like Cooter’s tow truck, Daisy’s jeep, Rosco’s patrol car, and the iconic 1969 Dodge Charger. Sit inside any of the vehicles for a one-of-a-kind photo op.
Museum hours & location:
- 2613 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
- (615) 872-8358
- Hours: Every day from 9 am to 7 pm
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History Museums in Nashville
Nashville is known for its music, but it’s also a city rich in history. If you’re looking to step back in time, these two historic sites offer fascinating glimpses into the lives of prominent figures and the legacy they left behind.
Tennessee State Museum | Best Nashville History Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is a large, 137,000-square-foot building in downtown Nashville displaying the history of Tennessee. If you’re looking for Nashville TN museums that cover history, this is the place to be. The museum takes visitors through a permanent collection, a hands-on children’s gallery, six rotating galleries, a digital learning center, and a two-story Grand Hall.
The exhibits and artifacts depict the state’s history, including art, furniture, textiles, and photographs. A Civil War collection consists of authentic uniforms, battle flags, and weapons. A highlight is the “Tennessee Time Tunnel” which you can walk through and learn about the area’s history. The museum also has a Native American collection from a time long before European settlers arrived.
The museum is also within walking distance of the Germantown Nashville neighborhood with even more to explore!
Museum hours & location:
- 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
- (615) 741-2692
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm, closed Mondays
Tennessee Governor’s Mansion | One of the Best Museums in Nashville for Local History
The Governor’s Mansion is one of the best Nashville museums if you’re interested in local history. It’s a 3-story, 16-room home built in 1931 in stately Georgian architectural style. The home is situated on a 10-acre site. A main feature of the home is the Conservation Hall, a 14,000-square-foot subterranean meeting and banquet facility.
Guided tours offer a look at the first floor of the Residence, Conservation Hall, and the Residence garden and grounds. A collection of antiques and artwork from state artists demonstrates the state’s rich history.
Tours typically last between 1 to 1.5 hours.
Museum hours & location:
- 882 South Curtiswood Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
- (615) 741-7846
- Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. from mid-March through mid-November
The Parthenon | One of the Most Recognizable Museums in Nashville
The Parthenon is one of several popular museums in Nashville for kids and one of the most iconic. The original Nashville Parthenon, located in Centennial Park, was built of plaster, wood, and brick in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The temporary structure was replaced by a concrete aggregate permanent building in 1931.
The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. The iconic building houses an art museum and a recreation of the Athena Parthenos statue, copied from the one in ancient Greece. The building is painted to closely depict what the original might have looked like, and the exterior was completely restored in 2002.
Admission is $10 for adult guests but free for kids four and under.
Museum hours & location:
- Centennial Park, 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 862-8431
- Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, and Sundays from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
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Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage | One of the Best Museums in Nashville to Step Back in Time
Once home to President Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage is one of the best-preserved presidential estates in the country. This presidential time capsule spans over 1,000 acres as a grand plantation offers an immersive look at Jackson’s life, military career, and presidency.
Jackson’s Mansion is a beautifully restored Greek Revival home with original furnishings. You can also explore the Hermitage Garden where Jackson and his wife are buried. The slave quarters and exhibits provide an unfiltered look at the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the property.
Walking the grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the early 19th century, surrounded by the very landscapes that shaped Jackson’s vision for America.
Museum hours & location:
- 4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN 37076
- (615) 889-2941
- Open 9 am to 5 pm daily
Belmont Mansion | A Unique Opportunity to See How the Wealthy Lived in the Antebellum South
The Belmont Mansion is Nashville’s largest historic home, showcasing the extravagant lifestyle of the antebellum South. Built in the 1850s by Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in Tennessee, this Italianate-style mansion offers a glimpse into high society during the mid-19th century.
Highlights include:
- Lavish architecture and decor, with intricate gold leafing, grand chandeliers, and European art
- Adelicia’s private art collection featuring rare sculptures and paintings she personally acquired from Europe
- A peek into Civil War history, as Belmont was briefly occupied by Union troops during the war
- Stunning gardens and grounds, once home to one of the country’s first-ever art galleries and a small zoo!
Belmont Mansion isn’t just a home or museum, it’s a symbol of power, resilience, and opulence, making it a must-see for history and architecture lovers alike.
Museum hours & location:
- Belmont Blvd and Acklen Ave, Nashville, TN 37212
- (615) 460-5459
- Hours: 10 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 3:30 pm Sunday
Other Fun Nashville Museums
Adventure Science Center | One of the Best Museums in Nashville for Kids & Families
Perfect for families and curious minds, the Adventure Science Center is an interactive museum that makes learning fun through hands-on exhibits and mind-blowing science displays. You’ll find educational family activities for every age.
Don’t miss the Sudekum Planetarium, where you can take a journey through space with stunning digital shows. The Moonwalk simulator and BodyQuest exhibit are also popular for all ages!
Museum hours & location:
- 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 862-5160
- Hours: 9 am to 3 pm Monday, Thursday & Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday & Sunday, closed Tuesday & Wednesday
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Madam Tussauds Nashville | Famous Wax Museums in Nashville TN
Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds Nashville, where life-sized wax figures of music legends and Hollywood stars bring you up close and personal with the famous faces of country, rock, and pop music. In the “Music City” room, where you can step inside a recreated recording studio and “sing” alongside music icons. Take your picture with the lifelike figures of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, and other local legends!
Museum hours & location:
- Opry Mills, 515 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
- (615) 485-4867
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Map of Museums in Nashville TN
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