Best Museums in Nashville

"Known for hosting a spectacular array of fine art from all corners and regions of the world, the Frist has become a popular destination for anybody in the vicinity of downtown Nashville. Even if you’ve been there before, there’s always something new to see since they update their galleries every 6 to 8 weeks. The beautiful art deco building is something to behold; we promise if you venture inside, you won’t forget the breathtaking works of art on display!"

"Since 2001, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has been proudly showcasing works of visual art. New pieces come through the gallery every six to eight weeks, ensuring that those interested in supporting the Nashville art community are regularly exposed to something fresh. In addition to the various exhibits, the Frist Center also has the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, an interactive art area geared toward children."

"The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Athenian original, can be found at Centennial Park. The historical monument was originally built for Tennessee’s 1897 Centennial Exposition. Today, The Parthenon serves as one of Nashville’s art museums featuring 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists."

"The Parthenon is considered as a centerpiece in Nashville's Centennial Park. It's a 42ft tall full scale replica of the Greek Parthenon in Athens. It was built in 1897 for that year's Tennessee Exposition."

"Hands-on exhibits are always great for families, and Nashville's Adventure Science Center has them in spades. The museum features over 150 exhibits exploring everything from biology to environmental science to physics and beyond, and space lovers can check out the Sudekum Planetarium's 63-foot dome theater. Older visitors get the run of the museum in "Way Late Play Dates," occasional 21-and-up events featuring local food, drinks and themed programming."

"From outer space to tiny atoms, the Adventure Science Center showcases interactive learning experience and the wonders of science. Guests can experience simulated weightlessness and fly like an astronaut in Space Chase. Or they can check out the Virtual Reality Studio to see dinosaurs that once roamed our planet up close."

"George Jones was a musician with more country songs on the Billboard charts than any other country artist in history, but he was also famous for his crazy antics. One famous story involves him pulling up onto the sidewalk at the Nashville airport and leaving a note on the windshield that read “heavily under the influence of cocaine,” which also let readers know he’d be back in a couple of days. The story says that the car was still there running when he returned a few days later."

"Immerse yourself in George Jones’s life and legacy when you visit his museum on 2nd Avenue just north of Broadway. Throughout his career, Jones had more songs on the Billboard chart and more Top 40 songs than any other country music star in history. The museum is a tribute to the Texas-born country singer-songwriter who took the nation by storm in the 1960s and whose influence is still felt today amongst the country music faithful."

"It also serves as a smokehouse with live music and museum – all set on two floors on 2nd Avenue. The bar overlooks Cumberland River and downtown skyline, surrounded by Nashville’s Southern charm. During CMA Festival, this bar overlooks the Riverfront stage."

"Vanderbilt University's Dyer Observatory has been operational since 1953, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can be found at the fringe of Radnor Lake state park. With a strong focus on community education, the observatory hosts events throughout the year, such as open houses, science camps for kids, teacher workshops and telescope viewing nights; visitors can also stop by during the week for self-guided tours of the Star Chamber. But celestial bodies through the lens aren't the only stars you might see at Dyer; for six shows each summer, the widely famed Bluebird Café – where musicians including Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift launched their careers – brings "Bluebird on the Mountain" concerts to the observatory.1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood, +1 615 373 4897, dyer.vanderbilt.edu."

"If you’ve ever been curious about space, stars, planets, and moons, the best place to go is Dyer Observatory at Vanderbilt University. On select days throughout the year, the observatory offers free tours and Open House Days led by the university’s astronomers. While the events are free, you’ll need to do a bit of planning before your visit as tickets/reservations are required."

"It’s easy to spot the large white dome of the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. It’s one of the biggest astronomy centers in Tennessee, and it stands on top of a large hill that provides clear, unobstructed views of the night sky. Tours and telescopes are open to the public if you want to learn a few constellations while you’re in Nashville."

"Established in 1966, The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s sports heritage. With vintage uniforms and artifacts, the museum honors athletes, coaches, sportswriters, and administrators who have made an impact on Tennessee sports history. The Hall is located in Bridgestone Arena where the Nashville Predators hockey team plays."

"Many award-winning athletes have come out of Tennessee, including Daren Bates, Reggie Grimes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates them all, and it’s conveniently located in downtown Nashville. Browse the displays and exhibits that showcase the history of the state’s finest sportsmen."

"The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame connects athletes, coaches and fans through exhibits that honor accomplishments on and off the field. Tickets are under $5 for adults, so this is a great place for a cheap day out!"

"While there are Madame Tussauds galleries all over the globe, the Nashville museum edition focuses solely on singers, songwriters, and other lyrical legends who have helped shape the American musical landscape. Naturally, Music City makes a great home for this wax museum!. Museum guests can explore themed rooms and check out the lifelike wax figures of over 50 musical icons!"

"Madame Tussauds Nashville is a wax attraction that offers guests the unique opportunity to interact with incredibly lifelike iconic figures from the celebrity world of music. With a completely different concept, the attraction in Nashville is the company’s first offering in the US that focuses solely on music icons that have shaped America’s musical landscape."

"I got a big variety hoping I would like most of it & have the rest as leftovers. It was tasty & most of it made good..."

"As one of the beloved Copper Branch chain of restaurants, Nashville’s Copper Branch is a cheerful, comfortable place to get mouthwatering vegan fare. It recently partnered with JUST Egg and Field Roast to serve an all-day breakfast menu with dishes like the Ultimate Bagel Sandwich that layers the JUST Egg and the Field Roast Plant-Based Breakfast Patty with a topping of vegan cheese and a hash brown. The regular menu includes such treats as chilis, chowders, vegan burgers, smoothies, power bowls, and brownies."

"You’ll need to visit Copper Branch a few times to even make a dent in trying all of the food on their menu. With everything from the Bacon Maple Tempeh Sandwich, made with organic smoked tempeh, zucchini, sweet potato, and vegan cheese, to the Chico Salad, with mixed lettuce, beet, carrot, organic sprouted mung beans, cranberries, organic buckwheat, Copper Branch also offers smoothies, organic coffee and dessert, like their Chocolate Zucchini Brownie. 601 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219"

"Feel good while chowing down on the delicious 100% plant-based power food. The chef-inspired menu features nutrient-rich options including power bowls, burgers, sandwiches, sides, desserts, smoothies, and more!. **Did we miss your fave vegetarian or vegan restaurant?"

"Ethiopian food, like Indian food, is largely vegetarian without any changes or substitutions necessary, so you know Gojo is going to be a vegetarian go-to. There are lots of good options scattered across various sections of the menu, but then they have a separate vegetarian part as well. Start with an appetizer like the Yemiser Sambussa, a pastry shell packed with flavorful veggies and spices, and then fill out the meal with some of their delicious salads and entrees."

"This South Nashville Ethiopian standout’s vegetarian menu section features a selection of traditional dishes like the shiro wet — ground, seasoned chickpeas with onion and garlic. The garlic-ginger sautéed cabbage with turmeric and vegetarian combo are other local favorites."

"Ole Smoky Distillery in Nashville isn’t just a distillery—it’s an experience. The location at 6th & Peabody is 30,000 square feet, including Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. in addition to a taco shop and a food truck featuring local favorite Prince’s Hot Chicken. With live music, indoor and outdoor spaces, and sports games on the giant movie screen, you could practically spend all day here."

"Specials on Tuesdays for cans, Wednesdays for tacos, Thursdays for trivia and every day for games and patio fun?. Hurry Back has a menu for drinks and bites that will have you following suit."