Tennessee State Museum is nicknamed the “Smithsonian of Tennessee.” Here, you can explore artifacts related to the state’s history, including art, furniture, textiles, and photographs. In Forging a Nation, see a Frontier-era log cabin depicting colonial life. A hand-drawn Confederate battlefield map in the The Civil War and Reconstruction exhibition illustrates how the state was divided. The 360° Interactive Theater, part of the Tennessee Transforms exhibition, allows you to explore people, places, and events from across the state.
The museum is free, but some visiting exhibits may charge admission fees.
Guided tours of both the museum and state capitol are available upon request.
There is no in-house café at the museum, but plenty of dining options are nearby at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.
All of the museum’s entrances are accessible to individuals with disabilities and there are elevators near the visitor desk. Wheelchairs are also available to borrow at no cost.
The Tennessee State Museum is at the corner of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Jefferson Street at the foot of Capitol Hill by the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville. Since there’s limited parking, you’re encouraged to take public transit, taxis, or rideshare services, especially on the weekends. WeGo Public Transit operates bus lines that stop at the intersection of Rosa Parks and Jefferson Street. Hop-on hop-off trolleys stop near the museum at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays and major holidays. During the school year, expect to encounter field trips during the week and the biggest crowds at weekends. The Children's Gallery is also open Tuesday-Sunday. Storytime in the Children’s Gallery takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Still in use by the state government, the capitol building houses statues of political figures and the graves of President James K. Polk and his wife. Just a short walk from the museum, this National Historic Landmark stands out with its Greek Revival style of architecture, similar to a temple. It’s one of the few state capitols without a dome and one of the oldest operating in the US.
