Location: Downtown Nashville
Top Things to do in Downtown Nashville
Things to do in Nashville, Tennessee (TN): The Best Museums
With live music to be heard all across town, 24/7, 365 days a year, Music City lives up to its name. From honky-tonk bands jamming at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to songwriters in the round at the Bluebird Cafe and country music legends rocking the Grand Ole Opry, you never know who you might see. The creative spirit from Nashville's music landscape flows into the area's myriad art galleries, up-and-coming fashion scene, historic landmarks and chef-driven restaurants.
Restaurants in Nashville
1. National Museum of African American Music
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The collections found in the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history & interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.
Reviewed By 999kellyc - Nashville, United States
The museum is worth a visit — or two — because it is informative and fun. There are exhibits to see, hear, and experience the evolution of African American music and see its influence far beyond one community in American. A great addition to Downtown and Music City. I bought a membership so that I can go back again. It’s a good value. Great location as far as restaurants and the new 5th and Broadway complex. Parking in the garage was straightforward.
2. The Arts Company
3. Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,080 reviews
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum honors musicians from stars to studio players, from all genres of music. Historic artifacts include instruments played on original recordings of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hank Williams, Sr., George Harrison, Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Chicago and more. See the original stage where a young Jimi Hendrix played. "To be recognized by this institution is the greatest honor a musician can have." -Neil Young.
Reviewed By mydogs4
We had so much fun at this museum. There was so much to see and do here. Lots of interactive displays which we got to explore - played with several musical instruments, listened to a variety of genres of music and learned about all the behind the scenes layers that go into making music. Saw so many of my favourite performers and their histories. It was a fun and delightful way to spend a cold, rainy day in Nashville!
4. The George Jones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 947 reviews
The George Jones is a world-class entertainment venue located in downtown Nashville honoring country music icon George Jones. The recently-renovated 4-story, 46,000 square foot building features live country music, a smokehouse BBQ restaurant, rooftop bar, a museum, a gift shop and private event space. George Jones had more country songs in the top 40 of the Billboard chart than any artist in history. "When people ask me who my favorite country singer is, I say, 'You mean besides George Jones?'" That's what Johnny Cash, and millions of others, have said about "The Possum," who gets the Music City shrine he rightly deserves with the George Jones Museum. The country music icon made the world cry with "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and made the world hiccup with "White Lightning." The New York Times calls the museum a "lovingly curated shrine" that is just like George's music: "a deep trove of raw feeling, triumph, tragedy, humor, hokiness and eccentricity." Nashville Happens Here!
Reviewed By jananneo - Cary, United States
The George Jones always bookends Nashville weekends - first & last stops to soak in the lovely ambiance and tasty drinks on the Rooftop bar. Bo Dacious was our entertainment Sunday afternoon and I would highly recommend.
5. Military Branch of Tennessee State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
A branch of the Tennessee State Museum, the Military Branch Museum is located in the historic War Memorial Building. Exhibitions explore America’s overseas conflicts, beginning with the Spanish-American War in 1898 and ending with Vietnam War. There is no admission charge to the Military Branch Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. Hours: The Military Branch galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Military Branch Museum is closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter. Location: 301 6th Ave. North, in downtown Nashville, inside the historic War Memorial Building on Legislative Plaza. The entrance is on the left side of the building near the Vietnam War Memorial. The handicap entrance is located off of Union Street on the south end of Legislative Plaza.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I weren't aware of the Military Branch Museum until a guide in the Tennessee State Museum, realizing our interest in military history and World War II, recommended that we should go across the street to the War Memorial Building, where the Military Branch Museum is located. Admission is free and the exhibits deal with America's overseas conflicts beginning with the Spanish-American War in 1898 and ending with World War II in 1945. The museum is located at 301 6th Avenue North, in downtown Nashville, inside the War Memorial Building on Legislative Plaza. The entrance is on the left side of the building near the Vietnam War Memorial. Originally built in 1925 to honor native Tennesseans who served in World War I, the museum was initially established by the state legislature to house veteran's souvenirs beginning with the Spanish-American War. It has since grown to include military engagements throughout the 20th century. Another new exhibit is Remembering the World War I Doughboy: The History of Tennessee's War Memorial. Another exhibit, Change and Challenge (1870 to 1945), explores how Tennesseans shared the nation's challenges in World War I, the Great Depression and World War II. Also see artifacts belonging to Tennessee native Alvin C. York, a Medal of Honor recipient in World War I who was the subject of a celebrated movie starring Gary Cooper.
6. Music City Fine Art
Contemporary Art Gallery in Nashville, Tennessee
7. Chauvet Arts
CHAUVET Arts is located in a historic building on 5th Avenue of the Arts with over 4,000 square feet in the heart of downtown Nashville. We curate, lease and sell distinctive artwork that enhances spaces, improves performance and elevates experiences so you can enjoy the growth and environment you deserve. Stand Out with Art that Matters. Presenting every month during the First Saturday Art Crawl.
