Tennessee State Museum in Nashville

The Tennessee State Museum is an enormous 137,000-square-foot museum preserving the history of Tennessee in Nashville that's one of the largest in the country. With operations run by a group of citizens appointed with the public interest in mind, the museum is dedicated to educating visitors through expansive and innovative exhibits.

The Tennessee State Museum consists of numerous permanent collections, 6 rotating galleries, an interactive children’s gallery, a digital learning centre, and a 2-story Grand Hall. Significant art, artefacts, textiles, furniture, and photographs at the museum are all a part of the state’s history, revealing Tennessee’s connections to the rest of the world.

Tennessee State Museum in Nashville - one of the highlights of 10 Ways to Save Money in Nashville and 10 Best Free Things to Do in Nashville (Read all about Nashville here)

photo by NStateMuseum (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

What are the highlights of the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville?

The Tennessee Time Tunnel takes visitors through the vast permanent collections of the Tennessee State Museum. Permanent collections include one on natural history that showcases animal and plant life, the First Peoples exhibit about early man, the Forging a Nation exhibit about the state's history from 1760 to 1860, the Change and Challenge exhibit focusing on 1870 to 1945, and Tennessee Transforms concerning 1945 to the present.

In addition, a smaller section on the Civil War and Reconstruction is about 1860 to 1870 and contains uniforms, flags, and weapons. The Tennessee State Museum also incorporates temporary exhibitions throughout the year such as unusual or distinctive art.

What else is good to know about the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville?

The Tennessee State Museum is located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard. Admission is free. Visiting the museum usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.

The museum is near other historical attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Frist Art Museum, and the Ryman Auditorium. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum prominently features country music stars and traditions, while the Frist Art Museum features fine art in a classic art deco setting. The Ryman Auditorium is a large live-music venue hosting concerts and other shows and seating up to 2,362 people.

Location: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USA

Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +1 615-741-2692

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.