Firmly entrenched as one of the music capitals of the country, the State of Tennessee also boasts some of the finest arts as well as science-oriented museums around. In fact, the middle section of the Volunteer state is particularly well-supplied with a variety of these cultural institutions.
With those thoughts in mind, we thought we’d help you find a few of them. Here are a just few of our favorite museums in Tennessee
Tennessee State Museum
Dedicated to the study and memorialization of the state, the Tennessee State Museum offers an insightful view into all the events that have shaped the Volunteers State. Spread over 120,000 square feet on three floors, the museum features a permanent area that houses one of the largest collections of Civil War memorabilia in the nation as well as a smaller area for traveling exhibits.
Address: 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-2692
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
First Center for the Visual Arts
The building that is now home to this museum was once Nashville’s main post office. The traditional exterior, however, now belies the wonderful treasures that await the visitor within. The 24,000 square feet of exhibition areas host a wide array of art from the state, the region and beyond. In addition, the First is a non-collecting museum so there is always something new to find there.
Address: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 244-3340
Hours: Monday -Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Thursday – Friday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday: 1:00–5:30 p.m; Closed holidays.
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
If the outdoors is more your cup of tea, visit this 55-acre museum with its 30,000 square foot mansion – the former estate of the Cheek family of Maxwell House coffee fame – that now incorporates a love of the botanical with that of the arts. The mansion includes the former collection of the Nashville Museum of Art and includes some 600 paintings and 5,000 prints, drawings and photographs. The outdoor areas feature a number of modern sculptures in addition to horticultural wonders.
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
Phone: (615) 356-8000
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is by far one of the most popular museums in Tennessee. Not only does it induct into its ranks the finest country musicians but also preserves the history and traditions of country music. Located on Music Row just southwest of downtown Nashville, on a visit there, you might even catch a peek of one of the latest and greatest country stars to grace the stage.
Address: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 416-2001
Hours: Except holidays, open every day of the year 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Parthenon
For a really “old-school” tour, consider a visit to the Parthenon in Nashville. It is a full-scale replica of the one in Athens and houses a 42-foot replica of the origianl statue of Athena. Words simply cannot do it justice. Make the effort and take a trip to this “ancient wonder” right here in Tennessee.
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 862-8431
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.; Sunday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm.; Closed Mondays and holidays.
So there you have it, a round-up of the best museums in Tennessee. Check them out when you have some free time… Its guaranteed fun for the whole family!
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