Updated August 2025
Museums and galleries are the perfect answer to ‘What do I do when it’s too hot, rainy, or cold outside?’ Here’s a list of galleries and museums in Nashville where you can find inspiration through art, learn more about music and Tennessee’s rich culture, and enjoy a variety of fun activities!
Downtown
The Frist houses rotating exhibits from local, regional, and international artists. Members and visitors under 18 can explore the gorgeous art deco building for free any day of the week, but the museum offers plenty of free admission days to visitors of all ages throughout the year! They don't happen on a set schedule, so the best way to keep up is to subscribe to their emails.
SoBro
Learn more about the history of African American music with galleries that track the beginnings from blues to modern hip hop and R&B. Make sure to stop by on Nissan Free Wednesdays, the first Wednesday of every month, for free admission!
Photo: National Museum of African American Music Website
SoBro
The Country Music Hall of Fame attracts visitors from across the country, but they offer plenty of incentives to ensure Nashville locals get an equally exciting experience. Children from Davidson and surrounding counties get free admission, and Davidson County residents can check out free admission from any Nashville Public Library location.
Downtown
A top spot for Civil War fans with a vast collection of weapons, flags, and more. Discover Tennessee’s natural history, first peoples, and the Tennessee Time Tunnel tracking its story from the past to today. Plus, admission is free for everyone.
Photo: Tennessee State Museum Website
West End
More than a perfect photo-op, the Parthenon in Centennial Park houses a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American paintings, along with the occasional temporary exhibit. Members receive free admission, and children and seniors can both take advantage of discounts.
Downtown
The Ryman is Nashville's history book of music, with a completely stacked lineup of past performers. If you're thinking of visiting the Mother Church, you can go to one of the concerts in their diverse lineup or go behind the scenes with different tour packages.
Wedgewood‑Houston
It might not be your first thought when you think of museums, but the Adventure Science Center offers plenty of permanent and traveling exhibits for all ages, as well as the Sudekum Planetarium! They offer discounts for students, seniors, first responders and even offer free admission for Tennessee teachers.
SoBro
Explore the workshop behind some of Nashville's most iconic show posters at Hatch Show Print. Tour the shop, check out the tools, and even print your own poster!
Downtown
The perfect spot for music lovers of all genres, The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum showcases pieces from the beginning of recorded music all the way to current favorites. They offer discounted admission for students, seniors, and military members.
South Nashville
Entertaining for the gear head and mechanically clueless alike, the Lane Motor Museum hosts the largest collection of European cars in the U.S. Members and children under 5 can wander through the microcars, military vehicles, and prototypes for free!
Hermitage
Housed inside Andrew Jackson's mansion and grounds, the Hermitage Museum gives visitors an inside look at the life of our former president. The museum offers discounts for children and seniors, while active and former military members can get in free.
Hillsboro-Belmont
Located on Belmont University's campus, the Belmont Mansion gives visitors a look into Victorian life and the history of one of Nashville's wealthiest families. A Belmont ID will get you in for free, and they offer discounts for plenty of different groups.
West Nashville
A family favorite with plenty of events for every season, the Cheekwood estate and gardens hold more than just floral beauties. The grounds boasts a woodland sculpture trail, permanent and rotating collections in the gallery. Seniors, students and military can all take advantage of discounts!
Downtown
The Rymer Gallery is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in Nashville's art district with over 3,000 square feet of exhibition space and an artist studio a few blocks away. The best time to visit is during Nashville's First Saturday Art Crawl when the free exhibit is bustling with up to 2,500 guests.
Downtown
Tinney Contemporary showcases contemporary artists anywhere along their path — from local roots to international acclaim. Located on 5th Avenue of the Arts, they draw hundreds every month to the free First Saturday Art Crawl.
Wedgewood-Houston
A staple in Nashville's art scene, Zeitgeist hosts visual artists from all backgrounds. Beyond visual art, the gallery also hosts "indeterminacies" where music and art collide. Tucked in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, they're a must-see during the neighborhood's monthly Art Crawl.
West Nashville
If you're looking for more ~experience~ with your art experience, check out Oz Arts' unique take on art exhibitions. Their flexible space allows for performances and installations, often at the same time. Admission to the galleries is free with an event ticket purchase or by appointment, and events span through music, dance and multimedia art.
East Nashville
The Red Arrow Gallery focuses on emerging artists and keeps its finger on the pulse of the contemporary art scene. The gallery is open to the public in the afternoons, but people interested in purchasing a piece can book appointments at any time.
Murfreesboro
If your idea of a museum involves less art and more archaeology, the Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History is the place for you. They feature displays from all over the world, but specialize in the history of Tennessee organic history.
East Nashville
More than a static train museum, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum also operates historic trains, giving visitors the opportunity to ride a 1950s train through Tennessee.
Bon Aqua
Step into Johnny Cash's private oasis located on 1800 acres of Tennessee countryside with a visit to the Storytellers Hideaway Farm and Museum. Admission includes a live musical performance of the songs that made the farm famous, and students and seniors can take advantage of a discount!
Wedgewood-Houston
David Lusk's Nashville gallery is as much of a contemporary art powerhouse as his original Memphis location. The featured artist tends to rotate quickly, so make sure to pop in during the First Saturday Art Crawl to check them out before they're gone!
Wedgewood-Houston
Julia Martin's gallery in Wedgewood-Houston aims to turn the "big white box" gallery space on its head with a more welcoming and inclusive space. They often host artist talks and receptions, so be sure to stop in for a bit!
Wedgewood-Houston
Channel to Channel is a contemporary art gallery featuring powerful pieces from artists from the local to national level. They host artist receptions every First Saturday and make for a great stop during the monthly WeHo Art Crawl!
Wedgewood-Houston
The COOP collective is made up of artists, curators and professors who aim to showcase and expand Nashville's relationship with contemporary art. Their multimedia approach shows off some of the best local art in a variety of media. They're open Saturday afternoons and by appointment only.
What are your favorite places to experience art in Nashville? Share your top spots with us at [email protected]!
