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.
Tennessee State Museum
Visit Tennessee State Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 175 activitiesOpens in new tabNashville Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Activity duration is 1 day
4.6 out of 5 with 452 reviews
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 49 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniel's Distillery Day Trip
Activity duration is 7 hours
4.7 out of 5 with 263 reviews
Free cancellation available
Private & custom tours
See all 28 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniels Distillery Tour by Famous Vintage Tour Bus
Activity duration is 7 hours
Adventure & outdoor
See all 22 activitiesOpens in new tabExplore the City of Nashville Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart
Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
5.0 out of 5 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
See all 19 activitiesOpens in new tabCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum Admission in Nashville
Activity duration is 4 hours
4.8 out of 5 with 85 reviews
Free cancellation available
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Tennessee State Museum
Knights Inn Nashville
99 Spring St, Nashville, TN
Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown
301 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN
Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown
623 Union St, Nashville, TN
Comfort Inn Downtown Nashville - Music City Center
1501 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN
The Capitol Hotel Downtown, Ascend Hotel Collection
711 Union Street, Nashville, TN
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown
300 Korean Veterans Blvd, Nashville, TN
Noelle
200 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN
Fairlane Hotel
401 Union Street, Nashville, TN
Holiday Inn Express Nashville Downtown Conf Ctr, an IHG Hotel
920 Broadway, Nashville, TN
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
- Holidays and getaways similar to Tennessee State Museum
- Hotels Near Tennessee State Museum, Downtown Nashville
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Hotel Theme
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Grand Ole Opry
- Hotels near Vanderbilt University
- Hotels near Nissan Stadium
- Hotels near Bridgestone Arena
- Hotels near Music City Center
- Hotels near Ryman Auditorium
- Hotels near Nashville Shores Waterpark
- Hotels near Opry Mills
- Hotels near Nashville Zoo
- Hotels near Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Hotels near Belmont University
- Hotels near Johnny Cash Museum
- Hotels near Belle Meade Plantation
- Hotels near Printer's Alley
- Hotels near Nashville Municipal Auditorium
- Hotels near Mall at Green Hills
Hotels
Muckross Park Hotel & SpaCatalonia Sagrada FamiliaHotels with Pool in County MeathThe WaterfrontAll Inclusive Hotels in KamariAPARTMENT DOROTHEA WITH DREAMY SEA VIEW CENTER CENTER - 200m FROM THE BEACHThe Loft Istanbul4 Star Hotels in KellsSheraton Istanbul Atakoy HotelMillhouse Bed & BreakfastThe 7 HotelCrowne Plaza Hotel Blanchardstown, an IHG HotelHotels with Parking in ParisCheap Hotels in RomeHotels in Narin-Portnoo
Flights
Holiday Rentals