Discovering Another Side of Music City
When most people hear the word Nashville, their minds leap immediately to music. Honky-tonks, country legends, Broadway’s neon glow—it’s an image that’s practically tattooed onto the city’s identity. And don’t get me wrong, I adore the live music scene here.
Nashville isn’t only about music; it’s also about art, history, and storytelling.
On one of my longer stays in the city, I decided to spend a week digging into Nashville’s museum and gallery culture. What I found blew me away: a city brimming with creativity that reaches far beyond guitars and microphones. I’ll walk you through four of my personal top picks—museums where I spent long afternoons wandering galleries, sometimes smiling, sometimes reflecting deeply, sometimes staring at a canvas until my legs ached.
Each museum had highlights that stuck with me—three pieces or exhibits I adored personally, and three I think every visitor should see. I’ll also share practical details: ticket prices, opening hours, discounts, how to get there, even booking platforms. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a travel consultant, it’s that the details matter just as much as the emotions.
So let’s step out of the honky-tonks for a while. Let me take you through my journey into Nashville’s best museums and galleries.
Frist Art Museum
• Location: 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
• Opening Hours: Thurs–Sat 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun 1–5:30 p.m., Mon closed
• Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors (65+) & College Students $10, Youth (18 & under) free
• Booking: Tickets available at fristartmuseum.org or on-site
Walking into the Frist Art Museum felt like entering a time capsule wrapped in elegance. The building itself, the old U.S. Post Office built in 1934, is a marvel of Art Deco architecture—its tall limestone façade shimmering like a grand gateway to creativity. The soaring lobby, with its black marble and geometric detailing, made me feel like I’d stepped into a scene from The Great Gatsby.
Three Works I Loved Personally
- Nick Cave’s Sound Suits (Special Exhibition)
The moment I entered this gallery, I froze. Bright, bizarre, almost alien costumes covered in beads, sequins, feathers, and found objects—it was like Mardi Gras collided with outer space. I loved how interactive they felt; just imagining them in motion filled me with childlike excitement. - William Edmondson’s Carvings
Edmondson, the first African American artist to have a solo show at MoMA, worked in Nashville carving tombstones and limestone sculptures. His pieces—simple yet profound—spoke to me in ways I can’t fully articulate. His “Seated Woman” looked as though it held the weight of centuries. - Art Deco Postal Murals
These aren’t part of the rotating exhibitions but preserved from the building’s postal history. They’re a reminder that art exists everywhere—even where people once came to buy stamps. I found myself staring at the intricate details far longer than expected.
Three I Recommend to Visitors - Ancient Egyptian Artifacts (Traveling Exhibition)
When I visited, they had a stunning Egyptian collection: sarcophagi, amulets, and hieroglyphs that whisked me away to another world. If you’ve never stood inches away from a 3,000-year-old sculpture, it’s humbling. - Contemporary Southern Artists Exhibition
Nashville isn’t just preserving history; it’s nurturing new voices. This exhibition featured bold, provocative works by living artists, tackling themes from race to identity. - Frist’s Martin ArtQuest Gallery
This interactive space lets both kids and adults create their own art. I painted something embarrassingly amateur, but the experience of contributing to the creative spirit made me feel part of the museum.
Service & Experience
The staff were incredibly knowledgeable, gently guiding people to hidden corners of exhibitions. The gift shop had tasteful items (not just cheesy souvenirs), including local crafts. My only con? Limited permanent collections. Since Frist runs on rotating exhibitions, what you see changes constantly—great for locals, but travelers may miss specific shows.
Getting There
I walked from downtown Broadway—about a 10-minute stroll. If you’re coming from Nashville International Airport (BNA), it’s a 20-minute Uber/Lyft ride ($25–$35). From the Greyhound station, it’s a 15-minute walk.
Personal Reflection
I left feeling both refreshed and challenged. The Frist reminded me why art museums matter: they let you borrow new eyes for a while.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• Location: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
• Opening Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Tickets: Adults $27.95, Youth (6–12) $17.95, Children under 6 free
• Booking: countrymusichalloffame.org or Viator for combo tours
I couldn’t write about Nashville museums without including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Yes, it’s music-related, but this is not just a tourist trap—it’s a national treasure. The building itself resembles a giant piano keyboard from above, and stepping inside feels like walking into the heartbeat of American music.
Three Works I Loved Personally
- Elvis Presley’s Solid Gold Cadillac
The King’s Cadillac, lined with crushed diamonds and fitted with a TV and record player, screamed extravagance. Standing next to it, I chuckled at how over-the-top it was—but also admired it as an artifact of showmanship. - Taylor Swift Education Center
As someone who’s guided young travelers, I loved how this space invited kids and teens to engage with music-making. I even joined a songwriting workshop (yes, I wrote two cringe-worthy lines about hot chicken). - Hatch Show Print Posters
Bold, colorful prints advertising concerts from the 19th century onward. These weren’t just ads—they were art. One Johnny Cash print made me stop and whisper, “Wow,” under my breath.
Three I Recommend to Visitors - Hall of Fame Rotunda
Circular, solemn, lined with bronze plaques honoring legends from Dolly Parton to Hank Williams. It gave me goosebumps; it felt like entering a sacred space. - Outlaws Exhibit (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash)
This section dives into the Outlaw Country movement. The memorabilia—guitars, handwritten lyrics—reminded me how rebellious music can be. - Historic Instruments Collection
Seeing Mother Maybelle Carter’s guitar up close was like standing before a holy relic. Even if you’re not a musician, you feel the weight of history.
Service & Experience
Everything was slick and professional. The audio guides were worth the extra $5—narrated by country stars themselves. The gift shop had fantastic finds: vinyl, books, even Hatch Show posters. Downsides? It’s pricier than other museums, and it gets crowded, especially midday.
Getting There
Centrally located downtown. From Broadway’s honky-tonks, it’s a five-minute walk. Public buses also stop nearby. If you’re driving, parking at the Music City Center garage costs around $15–$20.
Personal Reflection
I’ll admit it—I teared up in the Hall of Fame Rotunda. There was something profoundly moving about seeing all those names immortalized. Even if you’re not a country fan, you’ll leave with deep respect.
Tennessee State Museum
• Location: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
• Opening Hours: Tues–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 1–5 p.m.
• Tickets: Free admission
• Booking: No reservations needed; info at tnmuseum.org
Not all treasures have a price tag. The Tennessee State Museum, right next to Bicentennial Capitol Mall, is entirely free—and it might be one of the most underrated museums I’ve visited anywhere.
Three Works I Loved Personally
- Civil War Section: Soldiers’ Diaries
Fragile, handwritten notebooks from Tennessee soldiers. Reading their words made history visceral. I could almost hear their voices trembling off the pages. - The “Tennessee Stories” Interactive Wall
A high-tech installation where you touch screens to uncover personal stories of Tennesseans. I spent ages here, hopping from century to century. - Indigenous Artifacts
Arrowheads, pottery, ceremonial objects—reminders that Tennessee’s history didn’t begin with European settlers. These pieces carried a quiet power.
Three I Recommend to Visitors - Civil Rights Movement Exhibit
Powerful, raw, and emotional. Photographs, oral histories, and artifacts that show Tennessee’s pivotal role. - Reconstruction Gallery
Honest depictions of Tennessee’s struggles after the Civil War—something many museums gloss over. - Children’s Gallery
Perfect if you’re traveling with family. Interactive exhibits keep younger visitors engaged without dumbing things down.
Service & Experience
Staff were warm and eager to share insights. I loved that there were plenty of benches to sit and reflect—museums often forget that detail. The café was simple but good for a quick snack.
Getting There
From downtown, it’s a 20-minute walk or a short Uber. Free parking is available—something rare in Nashville!
Personal Reflection
I left feeling grateful this museum exists. Free entry means history is accessible to everyone, and that’s how it should be. If I lived in Nashville, I’d come here often just to sit and reflect.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
• Location: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
• Opening Hours: Tues–Sun 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Tickets: Adults $24, Seniors $22, Youth (3–17) $17, Children under 2 free
• Booking: cheekwood.org, discounts available via Groupon seasonally
If the Frist is sleek and urban, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is pure fairytale. Located about 8 miles southwest of downtown, it’s a historic 1930s mansion turned into an art museum, surrounded by 55 acres of botanical gardens.
Three Works I Loved Personally
- 19th-Century American Paintings
The intimate galleries feature landscapes that made me sigh with longing. One Albert Bierstadt piece, depicting the Rockies, felt like standing at the edge of infinity. - Contemporary Sculpture Trail
Walking outdoors among giant, modern sculptures nestled into garden paths—it was art in dialogue with nature. My favorite was a massive bronze piece shaped like a seed pod. - Seasonal Floral Installations
When I visited, tulips carpeted the gardens in waves of red and yellow. It felt like walking through a living painting.
Three I Recommend to Visitors - Japanese Garden
Peaceful, meditative, with koi ponds and stone lanterns. After the sensory overload of hot chicken and honky-tonks, this was exactly what I needed. - Cheek Mansion Library
Lined with dark wood and antique volumes—it felt like stepping into an English manor. - Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood (Winter Event)
If you visit in December, the estate transforms into a wonderland of lights. Families, couples, photographers—all swoon here.
Service & Experience
Cheekwood is polished, with excellent visitor services, from guided tours to tram rides for those who can’t walk long distances. Downsides? It’s pricier than downtown museums, and food options are limited to a café.
Getting There
From Nashville International Airport, it’s about a 30-minute Uber/Lyft ride ($35–$45). If driving, parking costs $5 but is plentiful.
Personal Reflection
Cheekwood felt like a pause button. I could’ve spent hours just sitting on a bench, breathing in the flowers, feeling my shoulders relax. It reminded me why travel isn’t just about sights—it’s about sensations.
Why Nashville’s Museums Moved Me
By the end of my museum-hopping week, I felt like I’d discovered a hidden layer of Nashville’s identity. Music may be the city’s loudest voice, but its art, history, and culture are just as compelling if you lean in to listen.
• At the Frist, I felt like I was part of an ever-changing dialogue between global artists.
• At the Country Music Hall of Fame, I touched the living pulse of America’s musical soul.
• At the Tennessee State Museum, I found a place where stories of hardship and resilience could be shared freely with everyone.
• At Cheekwood, I was reminded that beauty doesn’t just hang on walls—it blooms in gardens and whispers through leaves.
Practical Takeaways
• Tickets & Deals: Always check official websites. Groupon sometimes offers Cheekwood discounts; combo passes (like the Nashville Sightseeing Pass) may include the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Transport: Uber/Lyft is the easiest if you don’t have a car, but parking is available at most sites. Walking works for Frist and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Budgeting: The Tennessee State Museum is free—great for balancing out pricier attractions.
• Timing: Go early in the day to avoid crowds, especially at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Emotional Takeaway
I left each museum with a different piece of Nashville tucked into my heart. And I realized something profound: museums and galleries are like songs. Each tells a story, each has its rhythm, each leaves you changed in some small way.
So if you’re coming to Nashville, don’t just chase the music. Chase the art, the history, the quiet whispers between the notes. That’s where you’ll find the full melody of this remarkable city.
