10 Best Museums in Nashville

The Country Music Hall of Fame is the world’s largest repository of country music artifacts and it’s in the heart of downtown Nashville’s arts and entertainment district. This iconic museum showcases the rich history and evolution of country music. Explore the Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music exhibition to take a journey through the history and songs of country music via photos, video, recordings, and interactive displays.

The museum also hosts live performances, educational programs, and special events. You can learn about legendary musicians, such as Hank Williams and Dolly Parton, who have made significant contributions to the genre, and explore the cultural impact of country music on American music history.

The National Museum of African American Music takes visitors on a deep dive into African American musical culture and is in downtown Nashville across from the Honky Tonk Highway.

You can explore the history, innovation, and influence of African American musicians through exciting immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations in this modern museum which opened in 2021. Don’t miss the Roots Theater presentation which gives an overview of west and central African cultures and the effects of slavery.

The Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, just outside Nashville, is a fascinating attraction for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. Open to ticketed events only, this historic observatory offers regular educational programs, workshops, and stargazing events for visitors of all ages.

With its state-of-the-art telescopes and knowledgeable staff, the observatory provides a fascinating opportunity to learn about the wonders of the universe. The popular Meet the Astronomer Talks and telescope session tickets go on sale a month before each event and regularly sell out, so make a note to book in advance.

The Lane Motor Museum is a 10-minute drive south of Nashville and showcases the largest collection of European cars and motorcycles in the USA. This one-of-a-kind museum features a collection of unique and rare vehicles from Europe including microcars, amphibious vehicles, military vehicles, and sportscars.

Marvel at the innovative designs and engineering of these vintage and contemporary vehicles, as well as learn about the evolution of transportation through interactive displays and exhibits. Don’t miss the daily demos of amazing vintage cars and bikes at 11am, which are included in your entrance fee.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is one of Nashville’s most popular attractions, located downtown, just around the corner from the State Capitol building. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the talent and contributions of musicians of many genres from rock to pop, jazz to blues. This museum showcases the stories, instruments, and memorabilia of legendary musicians who have made a lasting impact on the music industry.

Your entry ticket also includes the fun interactive GRAMMY Museum Gallery, where you can sing onstage with Ray Charles, play guitar, DJ, and follow through every aspect of the recording process.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a Greek Revival-style mansion around 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Nashville, and once home to the 7th President of the USA. You can explore the preserved mansion, the beautiful grounds, and the museum exhibits. Discover insights into the life and legacy of President Jackson, including the enslaved people who lived there.

Take a VIP tour of the grounds, garden, and Jackson’s tomb to get full the scoop on Jackson’s life. Stop at Natchez Hills Winery next door for a tasting of local Middle Tennessee wines and discover Jackson’s ties to wine.

The Frist Art Museum is in the center of downtown Nashville, in the city’s former U.S. Post Office building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Home to touring exhibitions from some of the most prestigious art collections in the world, the Frist Art Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

From traditional to contemporary, the museum features a wide range of paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. Immerse yourself in the world of art and learn about the artists, techniques, and historical context through the many workshops, talks, and interactive displays. Check listings as the museum often hosts guided meditation sessions, craft workshops, and live music events.

The Johnny Cash Museum in downtown Nashville is dedicated to the life, legacy, and iconic music of the legendary singer-songwriter, Johnny Cash. Fans of the "Man in Black" will love exploring the vast archive of all things Johnny Cash, at the home of the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia.

Learn about Cash's early life, his career, and his impact on American music and enduring legacy through exhibits that run from his iconic stage costumes to personal items, recordings, and awards.

The Tennessee State Museum is downtown by Capitol Hill and offers a chance to explore the state’s storied history from Native American cultures through the Civil War and beyond. Learn about Tennessee's diverse past through a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive displays.

Kids will find plenty of fun in the Children’s Gallery – stop in for Storytime, explore the giant-sized map of Tennessee, or dive into the dress-up box to try rock and roll costumes in the STAX Records area. For those on a budget, note that the Tennessee State Museum is free to visit.

The Adventure Science Center is close to Music Row and The Gulch in Nashville, offering 175 hands-on interactive exhibits exploring various fields of science including physics, astronomy, geology, and more. See science come alive through engaging experiments, demonstrations, and simulations that make learning about science fun and accessible for all.

Kids can blow off steam on the climbing tower, learn about the design and engineering process at the Tinkering Garage, and marvel at the stars and planets in the planetarium – check listings for when the laser shows and concerts are scheduled.