Tennessee has a rich cultural and historical heritage—many museums in Tennessee honor this. The state gave birth to music genres such as country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. Memphis is known for Beale Street and Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home. Nashville is known as “Music City,” and is the heart of country music, with the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame located there.
Tennessee’s rich history includes its significant role in the Civil War, with key battles at Shiloh, Chattanooga, and Fort Donelson. The state is home to highly regarded educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee, Belmont University, and Rhodes College.
Major companies headquartered in Tennessee include FedEx, AutoZone, and Pilot Flying J. Tennessee offers a thriving arts and cultural scene, including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, and the Frist Art Museum. The state’s historical landmarks include the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson; Shiloh National Military Park; and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sports enthusiasts cheer for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and the NHL’s Nashville Predators, as well as the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.
In addition to art galleries, the state is home to a diverse array of Tennessee museums that celebrate its rich history, culture, and art. From Elvis Presley’s Graceland to world-class museums in Nashville celebrating African American music and art, there’s something for every interest and age. Here’s our guide to the top 8 must-visit museums in Tennessee.
Table of Contents
Graceland | One of the Most Popular Museums in Memphis Tennessee
Graceland, located in Memphis, is the iconic home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. The mansion is one of the most visited private residences in the United States. The home was built in 1939, and Elvis moved there in 1957, where he gave it his personal style. Visits to Graceland include a tour of the living room, kitchen, and the famous Jungle Room, all preserved as they were during Elvis’s lifetime.
The museum also features extensive exhibits of Elvis memorabilia, including his stage costumes, many gold records and awards, and personal artifacts. The Meditation Garden, where Elvis and several family members are laid to rest, is a popular stop on the tour. With guided and self-guided tours, special exhibitions, and year-round events, Graceland continues to offer fans and history enthusiasts something new every time they visit. This is one of the most popular Tennessee museums!
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
- Phone: (901) 332-3322
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | One of the Top Museums in Nashville Tennessee
Nashville is known for its musical legacy. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to celebrating the history and traditions of country music. The museum was founded in 1961 and is home to an extensive collection of artifacts, including instruments, stage costumes, photographs, and recordings from legendary artists in country music history.
Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore the evolution of country music, from its folk and gospel roots to modern chart-topping hits. Museum highlights include the Hall of Fame Rotunda, honoring artists who made significant contributions to the genre, and the historic Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop known for iconic concert posters.
Among Tennessee museums that host live music, this one remains the most popular. The museum hosts live performances, educational programs, and revolving exhibitions throughout the year for guests. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit destination for Country Music lovers from around the world. This is one of the top-visited museums in Tennessee.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (615) 416-2001
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Titanic Museum Attraction | Most Popular of Museums in Pigeon Forge Tennessee
The Titanic Museum Attraction, located in Pigeon Forge, offers a lot to see. This is a unique, immersive look at the RMS Titanic story. The building is shaped like the Titanic itself and houses more than 400 artifacts, many recovered from the ocean floor, as well as personal belongings of passengers, photographs, jewelry, and historical documents. The self-guided tour begins with visitors receiving a replica of a real Titanic boarding pass.
Tour highlights include a replica of the Grand Staircase, detailed cabins, and interactive exhibits that let visitors immerse themselves in life aboard the ship. Educational programs cover the ship’s construction, voyage, and tragic sinking in 1912. Offering a combination of history, storytelling, and hands-on experiences, the Titanic Museum Attraction is an engaging destination for families, Titanic enthusiasts, and tourists of all ages. Of all museums in Tennessee, this may be the most unique.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Phone: (800) 381-7670
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
National Civil Rights Museum | One of the Top History Museums in Tennessee
Looking for civil war museums in Tennessee? You’ve found the best one. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel in Memphis, documents the history of the American civil rights movement and much of African American history. The Lorraine Motel is the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
Exhibits showcase pivotal events in the Civil Rights movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Freedom Rides, and the March on Washington. Through multimedia displays, artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, visitors are immersed in the history of the Civil Rights movement and the struggles and achievements of the leaders who fought for equality.
The museum also features contemporary civil rights issues that connect past struggles to ongoing efforts for justice. Through educational programs, guided tours, and engaging exhibits, the National Civil Rights Museum is a profoundly moving and educational experience for visitors of all ages. This is one of the most meaningful museums in Tennessee.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Phone: (901) 521-9699
- Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Frist Art Museum | One of the Most Well-Known Art Museums in Tennessee
Looking for museums in Tennessee that will wow you? The Frist Art Museum, situated in downtown Nashville, one of Nashville’s safest neighborhoods, is home to a wide range of art from classical to contemporary. Inside the stunning Art Deco building, rotating exhibitions allow visitors to experience a constantly changing display of artworks from around the world. The museum offers educational programs, hands-on activities, and workshops.
The museum also hosts lectures, private events, performances, and special events, making it a lively hub for the arts. With world-class exhibitions, educational opportunities, and family-friendly activities, the Frist Art Museum provides an enriching and inspiring experience for art lovers and tourists alike.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (615) 244-3340
- Hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Tennessee State Museum | One of the Only Free Museums in Tennessee
Not all museums in Tennessee offer a full day’s worth of exhibits. But this museum sure does! The Tennessee State Museum, located in downtown Nashville, is dedicated to preserving and presenting Tennessee’s rich and diverse history. Its collection includes approximately 140,000 artifacts spanning more than 13,000 years, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, historic textiles, photographs, furniture, music history, and cultural objects that document the state’s social, political, and artistic heritage.
The museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibitions, providing visitors with immersive experiences that bring Tennessee’s history to life. Through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, lectures, workshops, and special events, the museum offers an engaging experience for all ages. With free admission, the Tennessee State Museum is an excellent destination for families, students, and tourists seeking to learn more about Tennessee’s unique story and cultural identity.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
- Phone: (615) 741-2692
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Closed Monday
Discovery Park of America | One of the Coolest Museums in Tennessee for Kids
Discovery Park of America, located in Union City, is a one-of-a-kind museum and heritage park spanning more than 50 acres and featuring highly interactive exhibits on space, natural history, technology, and military history. The park also features a recreated historic village and beautifully landscaped gardens that offer a journey.
Visitors can enjoy the planetarium, 4D theater, and engaging hands-on science and engineering exhibits designed for all ages. The park hosts educational programs, workshops, and seasonal events throughout the year, promoting learning through exploration. With diverse exhibits and immersive experiences, Discovery Park of America is a must-visit for kids and students looking for top museums in Tennessee.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 830 Everett Blvd, Union City, TN 38261
- Phone: (731) 885-5455
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed Monday
Hunter Museum of American Art | Best of the Museums in Chattanooga Tennessee
Looking for museums in Tennessee outside of Nashville? Located in Chattanooga, the Hunter Museum of American Art showcases American art from the colonial period to contemporary works. The museum sits atop an 80-foot bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and includes a historic mansion, a contemporary building, and a modern glass expansion, creating a diverse architectural experience. The permanent collection of nearly 3,000 works of American art features Hudson River School landscapes, American Impressionism, Ashcan School works, regionalism, and post-World War II modern and contemporary art.
The museum also features rotating exhibitions, where repeat visitors will always find something new. From educational programs, workshops, and family-friendly activities, the museum inspires creativity and engagement with the arts. Visitors enjoy an enriching cultural experience and scenic river views from the museum terraces.
Museum hours & location:
- Address: 10 Bluff View Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403
- Phone: (423) 267-0968
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Closed Tuesday
Other Museums in Tennessee to Enjoy
While we can’t talk about all the museums in Tennessee, there are still some notable ones you won’t want to miss that are open to the public. Here are some more popular museums in Tennessee to check out:
Map of Museums in Tennessee
Check out more museums in Tennessee and explore the map:
FAQs of Museums in Tennessee
What Is the #1 Tourist Attraction In Tennessee?
The most-visited and most-loved tourist attraction in Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It attracts over 12 million visitors annually, making it the most-visited national park in theUnited States. The park spans the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and is known for its mist-covered peaks, scenic drives such as the Cades Cove Loop, and extensive hiking trails and waterfalls.
What Is the Prettiest Town In Tennessee?
Many people consider Gatlinburg to be the prettiest town in Tennessee. Nestled right at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains, it offers charming mountain views, cozy cabins, and a mix of small-town appeal with plenty of attractions. Museums in Gatlinburg Tennessee, include Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Who Owns the 65 Million Dollar House in Tennessee?
The $65 million home in Tennessee, often referred to as one of the state’s most expensive properties, is owned by Tommy Frist Jr., co-founder of HCA Healthcare and one of the wealthiest individuals in the state. His massive estate, located in the Nashville area, features luxurious amenities, sprawling acreage, and incredible architecture. He is also involved in the Frist Art Museum.
Which Nashville Museum Is Most Popular?
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the most popular museum in Nashville. It’s located downtown and celebrates the history and impact of country music through interactive exhibits, instruments, costumes, and memorabilia from legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks. It’s a must-see for visitors exploring Music City.
Are There Any Railroad Museums in Tennessee?
Yes, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, the Tennessee Central Railroad Museum, and the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum are all located here.
Moving to Nashville? Let Us Help!
From the heart of Nashville to the streets of Memphis and the scenic banks of Chattanooga, there are many museums in Tennessee waiting to be discovered. In addition to the top museums in this guide, the state features numerous others that celebrate art, history, music, and science in cities such as Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Union City, Knoxville, and Johnson City, to name a few.
If you’re relocating to Nashville or somewhere else in Tennessee, we’d love to help. We can assist with local moving, long distance moving, packing, and more. Contact our Nashville movers today at 6th Man Movers at 615-434-8272 for a free quote!
