The Tennessee State Museum has a strong focus on the history of the South and holds one of the largest Civil War Collections in the USA. Its permanent exhibits cover more than 60,000 square feet (5,574 square meters) with an additional 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) devoted to ever-changing showcases. Set aside half a day to fully explore its many treasures.
The museum’s permanent exhibits are arranged in chronological order, making navigation easy. Start your visit by investigating the First Tennesseans exhibit. Here you’ll see relics from prehistoric and ancient Indian cultures, such as a shaman’s medicine tube.
Next, move to the Frontier section, which traces the often-bloody footsteps of the Spanish conquistadors, the English and French explorers, and the early European settlers. Step inside a log cabin and admire a covered Conestoga wagon, just two of the many full-scale replicas within the museum.
Learn about the state’s development in The Age of Jackson, dedicated to the life and times of the Southern general and plantation owner who became the seventh president of the United States. Then move on to the Antebellum section to admire the crafts, artworks and finery of a prosperous pre-Civil War Tennessee.
Look for the revolver once owned by Nathan Bedford Forrest, the infamous Confederate soldier turned Ku Klux Klan grand wizard, in the extensive Civil War and Reconstruction section.
Follow the stories of women's suffrage and Prohibition in the final permanent display, The New South. This section also contains many fine examples of crafts from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including a renowned collection of Tennessee pottery.
The museum resides on the bottom three floors of the James K. Polk Center near the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, with the exception of major holidays. Paid parking is available in the adjacent parking garages, or on the street. The free Music City Circulator bus stops at the museum.
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Popular places to visit
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
From touring Broadway shows to experimental art, opera and ballet, the state’s foremost performing arts venue is a destination for locals and tourists alike.
Tennessee State Capitol
Walk in the footsteps of former U.S. presidents and state governors on a tour of this elegant 19th-century legislative building.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum during your trip to Nashville. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.
Printer's Alley
Find out about the history of Nashville when you take a trip to Printer's Alley. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Nashville Public Library
Nashville Public Library is just one of the places to see in Nashville, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.
Ryman Auditorium
Take a tour of this historic performing arts venue and watch shows on a stage that has welcomed world-renowned names from Sarah Bernhardt to Johnny Cash.