Tennessee State Museum: is it worth it?
Our score, honest verdict, what it costs, how to avoid the crowds, and what to do instead if it is not for you.
Our verdict: worth it, and it costs nothing
A free museum with real depth is hard to beat in a city where most things cost money. It makes a good rainy-day plan or a low-cost add-on to a day downtown. Go on a weekday if you can, since the museum says the lot fills up quickly on weekends.
Admission is free, according to the museum's visit page.
Quieter than the paid downtown attractions, but the free lot fills quickly on weekends.
A solid state-history museum, not a Nashville-only experience.
Free parking in a shared lot, plus free two-hour street parking nearby, but the lot is limited and fills quickly on weekends.
Who should go, and who should skip it
- You want a free, indoor activity
- You like history and want to learn how Tennessee fits into the bigger story
- You only want music attractions
To compare, read our review of Country Music Hall of Fame, Pedestrian Bridge at sunset and Tennessee State Capitol.
Better alternatives and what pairs well
MUSEUMPhoto: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0Country Music Hall of Fame
A large downtown museum on the history of country music, open daily and the home base for Historic RCA Studio B tours.
VIEWSPhoto: Kaldari, CC0Pedestrian Bridge at sunset
A free walk over the Cumberland River on the historic John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, with the downtown skyline behind you.
MUSEUMPhoto: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0Tennessee State Capitol
A free, historic Greek Revival capitol with guided and self-guided tours on weekdays.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tennessee State Museum free?
Yes. The museum's visit page says admission is free.
What are the hours?
Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 to 5 PM, and closed Monday. It is also closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Where do I park?
There is a free lot shared with the Farmers' Market, which has limited spaces and fills up quickly on weekends. Free two-hour street parking is available along 6th and 7th Avenues.
Where is the museum?
1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208.
