Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, and with that power comes great responsibility. Responsibility for the history of the state, of course. Here in Nashville, we have quite a few museums that herald everything from our history to our musical heritage, even expanding into cutting-edge scientific studies. The city has grown in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, and so has our drive to preserve the stories of our past. These local museums are great for the whole family and make for a beautiful afternoon spent learning and growing.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (222 5th Ave. S)
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - Facebook There’s no place better to fall in love with Nashville’s country music history than our main hall of fame. You’ll find your favorite performers inducted into this hallowed hall, as well as all sorts of country music memorabilia - like the Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis - alongside the Taylor Swift Education Center that’s perfect for younger visitors.
- Adventure Science Center (800 Fort Negley Blvd.)
Adventure Science Center - Facebook This fun, interactive museum focuses on all sorts of physical history, giving kids a firsthand look at the creatures of the deep and the planets high in the sky - all in the same afternoon. Make sure you stay on top of their event calendar, as well - highly affordable and fun for the whole family, the Adventure Science Center is a gem.
- Lane Motor Museum (702 Murfreesboro Pike)
Lane Motor Museum - Facebook The Lane Motor Museum can be found in the heart of Nashville and it offers a close look at the history of mainly European automobiles. If you’re a car nerd or you have kids that are chomping at the bit for their driver’s license, then this is the place for you.
- The Parthenon (2500 West End Ave.)
Denise Mattox - Flickr Wait, it’s not just a gorgeous structure in Centennial Park?! Nope, the Parthenon is also home to a small museum right inside those insurmountable pillars. You’ll find a gold statue of Athena, a historic piece on its own, and spades more.
- The Johnny Cash Museum (119 3rd Ave. S)
Brent Moore - Flickr Tucked away in the heart of downtown, the Johnny Cash Museum is like a calming walk down memory lane. Built as a homage to the classic king of country music, the museum is kept up by his family and offers an incredible peek into the life of the Man in Black.
- Tennessee State Museum (1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.)
TNStateMuseum/Wikimedia The Tennessee State Museum just opened in its new and beautiful new space on October 4th, and it’s a fantastic spot to learn about not only the city but the state itself. Chock full of primary artifacts and special programs, everyone - young and old alike - will be sure to experience something new.
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage (4580 Rachels Ln.)
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage - Facebook The historic home of former U.S. President Andrew Jackson has become a hallowed hall of Tennessee history, and it’s a fantastic spot to visit if you’re looking to learn about President Jackson, his personal life, as well as his controversial policies. The expansive property is great for little ones who are looking to burn off some energy, too!
You can continue to explore the beautiful area with a visit to this local lake; it offers up some amazing hiking views.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - Facebook
There’s no place better to fall in love with Nashville’s country music history than our main hall of fame. You’ll find your favorite performers inducted into this hallowed hall, as well as all sorts of country music memorabilia - like the Cadillac that once belonged to Elvis - alongside the Taylor Swift Education Center that’s perfect for younger visitors.
Adventure Science Center - Facebook
This fun, interactive museum focuses on all sorts of physical history, giving kids a firsthand look at the creatures of the deep and the planets high in the sky - all in the same afternoon. Make sure you stay on top of their event calendar, as well - highly affordable and fun for the whole family, the Adventure Science Center is a gem.
Lane Motor Museum - Facebook
The Lane Motor Museum can be found in the heart of Nashville and it offers a close look at the history of mainly European automobiles. If you’re a car nerd or you have kids that are chomping at the bit for their driver’s license, then this is the place for you.
Denise Mattox - Flickr
Wait, it’s not just a gorgeous structure in Centennial Park?! Nope, the Parthenon is also home to a small museum right inside those insurmountable pillars. You’ll find a gold statue of Athena, a historic piece on its own, and spades more.
Brent Moore - Flickr
Tucked away in the heart of downtown, the Johnny Cash Museum is like a calming walk down memory lane. Built as a homage to the classic king of country music, the museum is kept up by his family and offers an incredible peek into the life of the Man in Black.
TNStateMuseum/Wikimedia
The Tennessee State Museum just opened in its new and beautiful new space on October 4th, and it’s a fantastic spot to learn about not only the city but the state itself. Chock full of primary artifacts and special programs, everyone - young and old alike - will be sure to experience something new.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage - Facebook
The historic home of former U.S. President Andrew Jackson has become a hallowed hall of Tennessee history, and it’s a fantastic spot to visit if you’re looking to learn about President Jackson, his personal life, as well as his controversial policies. The expansive property is great for little ones who are looking to burn off some energy, too!
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