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If you’re planning a trip to Tennessee, you won’t want to miss out on the state’s most interesting museums. From music history to science, Tennessee has a wide variety of interesting museums to explore. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most popular and interesting museums in Tennessee is the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. This museum celebrates the history and culture of country music, with exhibits of legendary musicians like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.
You can explore the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, including instruments, costumes, and photographs, and even take a guided tour of the historic RCA Studio B.
If you’re interested in science and technology, be sure to check out the Adventure Science Center in Nashville. This hands-on museum is perfect for families with children, with interactive exhibits on topics like physics, biology, and astronomy.
You can also catch a planetarium show or explore the center’s outdoor science park. With so many fascinating museums to choose from, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to Tennessee.
The Frist Art Museum
919 Broadway, Nashville, TN
If you’re looking for a world-class art museum in Tennessee, the Frist Art Museum in Nashville is a must-see. The museum is housed in a beautiful and historic U.S. Post Office building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since opening in 2001, the Frist Art Museum has hosted a spectacular array of art from around the world.
Art Collections
The Frist Art Museum is known for its impressive collection of art from both local and international artists. The exhibitions change every few months, so plan to visit often to see what’s new. Some of the most prestigious collections in the world have been featured at the Frist Art Museum, as well as award-winning shows organized in-house.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Frist Art Museum is “Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage,” which has already caught the eye of The New York Times. This exhibit explores the role of blackness in contemporary American art through the medium of collage.
Educational Programs
The Frist Art Museum is not just a place to view beautiful art; it’s also a center for education and community engagement. The museum offers a variety of educational programs for people of all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures.
If you’re interested in learning more about art and culture, the Frist Art Museum is a great place to start. The museum’s educational programs are designed to be engaging and informative, and they’re a great way to deepen your appreciation for art.
The Frist Art Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture. With its impressive collection of art, engaging educational programs, and beautiful historic building, the Frist Art Museum is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Tennessee.
The National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN
The National Civil Rights Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the museum is built around the former Lorraine Motel, which was the site of the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
The museum is a complex of museums and historic buildings that trace the history of the civil rights movement in the United States from the 17th century to the present.
Historical Exhibits
The National Civil Rights Museum has a variety of historical exhibits that are worth exploring. One of the most popular exhibits is the King assassination timeline, which features investigation artifacts and conspiracy theories around the plot to kill King.
Other notable exhibits include the Jim Crow era, which explores the history of segregation in the United States, and the Civil Rights Movement exhibit, which highlights the key events and figures of the movement.
Memorial Sites
The National Civil Rights Museum includes several memorial sites that pay tribute to those who fought for civil rights. The most notable of these is the balcony where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Visitors can stand on the balcony and look out over the street where King was shot.
The museum also includes a replica of the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, as well as a memorial to the Freedom Riders, who challenged segregation on interstate buses in the early 1960s.
The National Civil Rights Museum is a powerful and informative museum that provides a comprehensive look at the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.
Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this important period in American history, the National Civil Rights Museum is a must-visit.
The Tennessee State Museum
1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN
If you’re looking for a museum that offers a comprehensive look at the history of Tennessee, the Tennessee State Museum is a must-visit. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free.
Historical Artifacts
The Tennessee State Museum has an impressive collection of historical artifacts that tell the story of the state’s past. From Native American artifacts to Civil War memorabilia, you’ll find a wide range of items that provide a glimpse into Tennessee’s rich history.
- The original State Constitution of 1796
- A replica of the first printing press used in Tennessee
- A Civil War-era battle flag carried by the 13th Tennessee Infantry
- A collection of Native American pottery and basketry
Interactive Exhibits
In addition to its collection of historical artifacts, the Tennessee State Museum also offers a number of interactive exhibits that are both educational and fun. These exhibits allow visitors to engage with history in a unique way.
- “The First Tennesseans” exhibit, which explores the lives of the state’s earliest inhabitants
- “Tennessee Transforms” exhibit, which looks at the state’s role in the Industrial Revolution
- “Tennessee Time Tunnel” exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey through the state’s past using high-tech audio and visual effects
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something interesting to do in Nashville, the Tennessee State Museum is definitely worth a visit. With its extensive collection of historical artifacts and interactive exhibits, you’re sure to learn something new about the state of Tennessee.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN
If you’re a true fan of country music, you can’t miss visiting The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and culture of country music.
Music Exhibits
The museum has two expansive floors of gallery space featuring permanent and limited-engagement exhibits. One of the most popular exhibits is “Sing Me Back Home,” which is a multi-layered journey through the life of country music. The exhibit showcases the evolution of country music from its roots to the present day.
Another exhibit that visitors enjoy is “American Currents: State of the Music,” which highlights the most significant events in country music over the past year. The exhibit features artifacts from some of the biggest names in country music, including Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Urban.
Artist Spotlights
The museum also features artist spotlights that showcase the life and career of some of the biggest names in country music. One of the most popular artist spotlights is dedicated to Patsy Cline, one of the best-selling female country singers of the twentieth century. The exhibit features artifacts from her life, including her handwritten song lyrics and some of her most iconic outfits.
Another artist spotlight is dedicated to the legendary Johnny Cash. The exhibit features artifacts from Cash’s life, including his famous black suit and his guitar. Visitors can also see the cabin where Cash wrote some of his most famous songs.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit for any country music fan. With its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, you’re sure to learn something new about the history and culture of country music.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Just South of Beale at FedExForum, 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN
If you’re a fan of music history, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a must-visit destination. Located in downtown Memphis, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of rock and soul music and its influence on American culture.
Music History
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of American music, from the early days of blues and gospel to the birth of rock and roll. The museum’s exhibits are organized chronologically, with each section highlighting a different era in music history.
One of the most interesting parts of the museum is the “Soul Train” exhibit, which features a replica of the iconic TV show set and highlights some of the most influential soul musicians of all time.
You’ll learn about the rise of Motown and Stax Records, as well as the impact that artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke had on the music industry.
Influential Musicians
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is also home to a number of exhibits that focus on individual musicians and their contributions to the world of music. From Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash, there are plenty of famous names to explore.
One of the most interesting exhibits is dedicated to the “Million Dollar Quartet,” a legendary jam session that took place at Sun Studio in Memphis in 1956. The exhibit features artifacts and memorabilia from the session, which included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in music history. With its interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and knowledgeable staff, it’s a great place to learn about the roots of rock and soul music and the impact genres have had on American culture.
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
502 SE Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN
If you’re looking for a fun and educational place to take your kids, the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a great option. Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this children’s museum and nature center offers a variety of exhibits and programs that will engage and entertain your little ones.
Children’s Exhibits
The Discovery Center has a wide range of exhibits designed specifically for children. These exhibits cover a variety of topics, including science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
- Town Life: This exhibit allows children to explore what it’s like to live in a small town. They can visit a grocery store, a bank, a post office, and more.
- Science: This exhibit teaches children about the basics of science through hands-on activities. They can learn about electricity, magnetism, and more.
- Trains: This exhibit features a model train that children can control. They can also learn about the history of trains and how they work.
- Farmers Market: This exhibit teaches children about healthy eating and where their food comes from. They can “shop” for fruits and vegetables and learn about the different types of produce.
Outdoor Learning
In addition to its indoor exhibits, the Discovery Center also has an outdoor area that allows children to learn about nature.
- Wetlands Boardwalk: This boardwalk allows children to explore a wetland habitat and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
- Nature Play Area: This area features natural materials like logs and rocks that children can use to build and play.
- Trails: The Discovery Center has several trails that wind through the wetlands and allow children to explore and learn about nature.
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational experience. With its wide range of exhibits and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some science museums to visit in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a variety of very interesting science museums that are worth visiting. A popular one is the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, which offers hands-on exhibits on topics such as space exploration, robotics, and physics.
Another great option is the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, which explores the history of energy and nuclear science.
What are some interesting museums to visit in Middle Tennessee?
Middle Tennessee has a number of fascinating museums to explore. One of the most popular is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, which showcases the history of country music through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Another must-see is the Frist Art Museum, also in Nashville, which features a wide range of rotating exhibits and collections of American and international art.
What are some top things to do in Tennessee for museum enthusiasts?
Tennessee is a great destination for museum enthusiasts. In addition to the museums mentioned above, there are several other notable options, including the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville, which explores the state’s history and culture, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, which highlights the history of rock and soul music in Memphis.
Are there any notable museums in East Tennessee worth visiting?
East Tennessee has a variety of interesting museums that are worth checking out. One of the most notable is the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, which showcases the history and culture of the Appalachian region. Another popular option is the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville, which features exhibits on the region’s history and heritage.
What are some unique museums to visit near Tennessee?
If you’re looking for unique museums to visit near Tennessee, there are several interesting options. One is the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which showcases the history of the iconic sports car. Another is the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia, which explores the roots of country music in the region.
How many museums are there in Tennessee and which ones are the most popular?
Tennessee is home to over 300 unique and interesting museums, ranging from art and history to science and technology museums. Some of the most popular include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Adventure Science Center.
