Places To Learn In Nashville - Museums, Science and More

The Hermitage is 7th president Andrew Jackson’s former home and is the best place to learn about the life of one of America’s greatest generals and one of the countries most compelling figures. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the 1,120 acre property set just outside of downtown came into Jackson’s possession in 1804.

Fort Negley in Nashville stands as a poignant reminder of Civil War history and a testament to the city's past. Built by Union soldiers during the Civil War, this historic fortification played a significant role in defending Nashville. Today, it serves as a visitors center and a cultural landmark, offering a glimpse into the city's wartime history.

The Tennessee Adventure Science Center stands out as an excellent place for learning, offering diverse opportunities for discovery and education. Through its innovative exhibits and engaging programs, visitors of all ages can delve into various scientific concepts and phenomena. Whether it's exploring the natural world, delving into the principles of physics and engineering, or unraveling the mysteries of space and technology, the center fosters a hands-on learning environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking.

While Nashville has become a hotbed for all genres of music, its reputation is for being “the town” for country music, so what better place exists to host the Country Music Hall of Fame? Built in 1961, the Hall of Fame features rotating exhibits showcasing both former and current stars. Everything from the classic cowboy tunes of the Wild West to Taylor Swift is covered here with interactive displays, artifacts and more.

Hatch Show Print dates back to 1879 in Nashville, four years after Wisconsin printer William H. Hatch moved his family to the city, his sons Charles and Herbert founded the company. Located as a separate exhibit inside the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hatch has designed posters for concerts in Nashville since the city's musical beginnings.

The Johnny Cash Museum set just off Broadway is a beautifully done tribute to one of music’s greatest stars. As you walk in the museum you're greeted with separate exhibits that highlight different points in Cash’s illustrious career spanning four decades. We won’t spoil too much, but there's tons of cool memorabilia from Cash’s childhood, his days in the military and many unique guitars, awards and outfits from Cash’s career on display.

The Tennessee State Museum stands as a premier destination for learning about the rich history and cultural heritage of Tennessee. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays, visitors can delve into diverse aspects of the state's past, from Native American civilizations to the Civil War and beyond.

Frist Art Museum opened in April 2001, and has since hosted a spectacular array of art from around the world. With an exhibitions schedule that has new art flowing through the art deco building every 6 to 8 weeks, no matter how often you visit, there is always something new and exciting to see in the spacious galleries.

RCA Studio B is a legendary recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee, renowned for its rich history and cultural significance in the music industry. It served as the recording home for many iconic musicians, including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton, among others. Visiting Studio B provides a unique opportunity to learn about the evolution of music production and the creative process behind classic hits. Guided tours offer insights into the technical aspects of recording and the stories behind famous songs.

The Parthenon in Nashville serves as a great educational site, offering a unique opportunity to explore ancient Greece’s history and architecture right in the heart of Tennessee. As a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, visitors can marvel at its majestic structure and learn about its historical significance through tours and exhibits. Inside, the art gallery showcases a collection of American paintings, while the Athena statue provides insight into classical art and mythology.

The Nashville Zoo offers an exciting and educational experience for everyone. With diverse habitats showcasing animals from around the world, visitors can encounter everything from playful meerkats to majestic elephants and colorful birds.

Belle Meade Historic Site located in Belle Meade, TN was bought in 1807 by Virginian John Harding. He named the site “Belle Meade”, French for beautiful meadow, and used it, not for farming but instead for a great many things such as a blacksmith shop, cotton gin and most famously boarding horses. Under the Harding family Belle Meade came to be known as the “Queen of the Southern Plantations”. There is much to be researched about the Harding family and the history of the plantation on the grounds.