Hayley ThomasI’ll never forget the field trip we took to Nashville’s museums when I was in school. We went to the Tennessee State Museum, and I was amazed by all the history there. It was so interesting to see things from the past and learn about the people who helped shape Nashville.
That trip made me realize there’s so much more to the city than just music. The museums in Nashville are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture, and I’m excited to share some of the best ones with you!
1. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
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Website: https://countrymusichalloffame.org/
Address: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-416-2001
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Prices start at $29.95 (Adults), $19.95 (Youth)
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see museum for anyone visiting Music City. Located right in the heart of downtown, this museum has earned its title as the “Smithsonian of country music” with good reason!
Even if you’re not a huge country music fan, there’s so much to see. The museum is full of cool stuff like shiny stage clothes, old guitars, and even Elvis Presley’s Cadillac.
The Hall of Fame part was our favorite. It’s quiet and beautiful, with plaques on the walls for all the country music legends. It gave us goosebumps just standing there.
We also took the Studio B tour, which was awesome. It’s one of the first recording studios in Nashville, and big stars like Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded there. We spent about two and a half hours at the museum and could’ve stayed longer.
Pro Tip:
If you’re coming back more than once, getting a membership is a good idea. It comes with free admission, early access to new exhibits, and invites to special events. After a couple visits, it pretty much pays for itself.
2. Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Media Credit: musicianshalloffame
Website: https://www.musicianshalloffame.com/
Address: 401 Gay St, Nashville, TN (in Nashville Municipal Auditorium)
Contact Details: +1 615-244-3263
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Prices start at $28 (Adults), $15 (Youth)
Are you into music and want to learn its history? The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is an interesting place to learn all that!
This special museum honors the amazing musicians who helped create some of the world’s greatest songs—even if they didn’t become famous themselves.
The exhibits walk you through all kinds of music—from old-school country and rock ‘n’ roll to Motown and soul. We saw real instruments used by legends like Elvis, Stevie Wonder, and The Beach Boys.
One of the best parts was the Jimi Hendrix room. Turns out he spent some time in Nashville before he became famous! . The whole space is filled with stories and gear from his early days. Pretty wild to think about him walking around the city just trying to make it.
The whole place shines a light on the behind-the-scenes musicians—the ones whose names aren’t on posters but whose sound is in our favorite songs. We left with a lot of respect for them (and maybe a new dream of becoming studio drummers).
Pro Tip:
If you love music and you’re planning a special event, this place is worth a look! They do weddings, parties, and even work events. You could get married next to guitars used by famous musicians—way better than a plain old ballroom.
3. Patsy Cline Museum
Website: https://www.patsymuseum.com/
Address: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-454-4722
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Admission Costs: Prices start at $24.95 (Adults), $20.95 (Youth)
If you’re in Nashville, the Patsy Cline Museum is a must-see for music fans! Located above the Johnny Cash Museum, this place honors the famous Patsy Cline, known for hits like “Crazy” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
Even though her life was short, her impact on country music was huge, and this museum is a great way to learn about her.
The museum is filled with all sorts of cool stuff – her stage outfits, personal letters, awards, and even things she used around the house. We got to scroll through digital displays showing off her wedding photos and letters to her friends, which felt pretty personal.
One of the coolest parts is the preserved table from the diner where Patsy worked before she became famous!
It’s not the biggest museum, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with heart. We watched a short film about her life, which was a nice touch, and stopped by the gift shop for a few souvenirs.
Pro Tip:
It’s better to go on a weekday when it’s less busy. The museum is usually quieter then, so you can take your time, see everything without a crowd, and enjoy the displays without feeling rushed.
4. Tennessee State Museum
Media Credit: instagram.com/tnstatemuseum
Website: http://www.tnmuseum.org/
Address: 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-741-2692
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday – 1 to 5 PM
If you want to learn more about Tennessee’s history, the Tennessee State Museum is a great place to visit. It’s right next to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville and is big, modern, and full of interesting things to see—from ancient times all the way to today.
The museum opened in 2018 and has quickly become a favorite for both locals and tourists.
The place is huge, clean, and really well put together. We started with the oldest stuff—think mammoths and early Native American history—and worked our way through to modern times.
The layout made it easy to follow, even when we got distracted by a shiny Civil War sword or a vintage jukebox in the music section.
What makes this museum special is how interactive it is. There are touch screens, short movies, and lots of cool things to look at. Kids will love the Children’s Gallery (just note it closes at 4:30 PM), and adults will enjoy the view from the balcony and the fun gift shop.
One of the best things? It’s totally free to visit—and parking is free too. You don’t need a ticket or a reservation. Just walk in and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
You can’t bring food or drinks inside, so it’s best to eat before you go or grab something after. There are some good places nearby, like the Farmer’s Market.
5. Lane Motor Museum
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Website: https://www.lanemotormuseum.org/
Address: 702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-742-7445
Operating Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday – Closed
Admission Cost: Start at $15 (Adults), $3 (Youth)
If you’re in Nashville, make sure to visit Lane Motor Museum, one of the city’s best museums for car lovers. This museum has over 500 cars and motorcycles, with 150 on display at any time.
The collection includes mostly European vehicles, but you’ll also find cars and bikes from all over the world. These cars range FrOm old antiques modern-day models.
One of the best things to do is take the “vault tour,” where you can see rare and special vehicles. The museum also has a few airplanes hanging from the ceiling! Kids will enjoy the play area with toy cars and coloring activities, so this a fun stop for families too.
For those interested in the history of cars, there are great presentations that teach you about the cars on display. You’re encouraged to take photos, so feel free to snap as many pictures as you like!
Pro Tip:
If you’re driving an electric car, you’ll love the free charging station at the museum. It’s a convenient way to stop by without worrying about your car’s battery!
6. The Parthenon
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Website: https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com/
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-862-8431
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 7 PM; Friday, Saturday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Sunday – 12:30 to 4:30 PM
Price Range: Prices start at $10 (Adults), $8 (Seniors, Youth)
If you’re visiting Nashville and want to see something different and exciting, make sure to stop by The Parthenon. It’s one of the city’s most interesting places and a great museum to visit.
The Parthenon is a full-size copy of the real one in Greece. From the outside, it looks amazing—it’s big, beautiful, and really stands out. But the best part is what’s inside.
There’s a huge statue of Athena that truly took my breath away. She’s 42 feet tall and covered in gold. Pictures don’t do it justice—you have to see it in person to believe it. Honestly, just seeing that statue was worth the ticket.
The museum also has changing art shows, so every visit can be a little different. You’ll find old paintings, statues, and stories that help you learn about Greek history and how it connects to the United States.
Pro Tip:
Since The Parthenon sits right in the middle of Centennial Park, you can enjoy nature while you’re there. It’s a nice way to spend some extra time before or after your museum visit!
7. Madame Tussauds Museum
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Website: https://www.madametussauds.com/nashville/
Address: Opry Mills, 515 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-485-4867
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Price Range: Prices start at $24.99 (Adults)
For those looking for a fun and unique museum in Nashville, we definitely recommend checking out Madame Tussauds Nashville!
Located in Opry Mills Mall, this location of the world-famous wax figures is all about music and its most famous stars.
It’s not just looking at statues—there are lots of interactive things to do. I had a blast singing in the karaoke booth, and I tried dancing in the Soul Lounge. I sat at a piano with Stevie Wonder!
The wax figures look so real that it’s hard to believe they’re not alive, so I made sure to take pictures with as many famous people as I can. Most people spend an hour just taking photos with different figures, so take your time looking around!
Pro Tip:
Be sure to check out the exclusive photo spot in the museum—a bench with the Nashville sign in the background. It’s a unique feature of this Madame Tussauds and perfect for taking photos that show off your Nashville adventure.
8. Historic Travellers Rest Historic House Museum
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Website: https://www.historictravellersrest.org/
Address: 636 Farrell Pkwy, Nashville, TN
Contact Details: +1 615-832-8197
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM; Monday, Sunday – Closed
Price Range: Start at $20 (Adults), $15 (Youth)
If you want to learn more about Nashville’s history, a visit to Travellers Rest is a must. This historic plantation house, built in 1799, offers a special look into Tennessee’s past.
Originally owned by Judge John Overton, the estate covers many parts of history, including Native American, Civil War, and African American history.
The tour began with the “A Past Uncovered” exhibit, which focuses on the more than 50 enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property. I was struck by how powerful the exhibit was, using original documents and artifacts to share their stories.
What really made the visit special was the way it engaged all ages. There were kids on the tour trying their hand at writing with quill pens, and I even got a chance to explore some old toys from the 1800s.
It felt like an interactive history lesson, making it a perfect place for families, school groups, or anyone looking to learn more in a hands-on way.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the beautiful grounds of the plantation—they’re perfect for a relaxing walk. Be sure to visit the Weaving House and check out the nearby gardens to complete your visit.
