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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Nashville's best

Cool museums

Made for those who seek out exhibits that challenge their perspective and offer a distinct, non-traditional experience.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lane Motor Museum image 1
Lane Motor Museum image 2
Lane Motor Museum image 3
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Museum occupies an old bakery building with open concept and natural light, showcasing a unique collection of mostly small, European, and micro cars. Atmosphere feels laid back and intimate, inviting close viewing without barriers. Family-friendly features include a car-themed play area and picnic spot.

This museum features a very unique collection of vehicles with only about 2% overlap with other automotive museums. It showcases several one-of-a-kind automobiles that make it stand out from any other car museum.

Unique and quirky cars fill the museum, including rare race cars, motorcycles, scooters, and planes. The collection offers a cool and unusual automotive experience not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"This museum has so many unique cars you won't see anywhere else."

"I saw so many unique foreign and classic cars here."

"I saw so many cool, unique cars, like one-of-a-kind creations."

Good to know

1

The museum offers a guided tour of the vault on weekends for an extra $10.

2

Demonstrations of unique cars occur daily at 11 AM; don't miss it.

3

Expect to pay an additional fee for guided tours at 11:30 AM and 2 PM.

02
Tennessee State Museum image 1

Large, modern museum offers a well-laid-out space with immersive multimedia like music, sounds, and films enhancing exhibits. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxed to lively, with families and children enjoying interactive play areas and scavenger hunts. Views of the nearby capitol and skyline add to the visually engaging experience.

Free admission makes this museum very accessible. It offers a deep dive into the state's history with exhibits that can fill an entire day.

Many cool exhibits cover Tennessee's history from early times to modern days. The space stays clean and cool with lots of pictures and memorabilia to explore.

People are saying

"I learned so much about Tennessee's history at this museum."

"The historical sites here offer free admission and parking."

"I found the museum exhibits really cool and informative."

Good to know

1

Admission to the Tennessee State Museum is free.

2

The museum offers guided tours at 2pm highlighting the main exhibits.

3

Parking is extremely difficult to find, requiring patience and multiple drives around the area.

03
Cooter's Nashville image 1

Museum filled with Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia creates a nostalgic Southern atmosphere. Displays include General Lee, Daisy's jeep, and Cooter's tow truck, offering photo opportunities inside and outside. Free admission and a gift shop add to the welcoming, fun environment.

Entry to the museum is always free. It features an insane collection of memorabilia that offers a blast from the past and can be emotionally touching.

Free entrance leads to a museum packed with cool memorabilia and artifacts from the show. Kids find the cars especially cool, and the souvenir selection sparks many memories.

People are saying

"This free museum is packed with Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia."

"It's packed with so much Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia, I felt like I was in a museum."

"I found the show memorabilia and cars really cool."

Good to know

1

Entry to the museum is free for all visitors.

2

Parking is free at Cooter's Nashville.

3

The museum features memorabilia from The Dukes of Hazzard.

04
Marathon Motor Works image 1

Old factory building houses historic machinery and original tools, creating a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors explore shops, a distillery with whiskey tasting, and a deli within the preserved industrial space. The site blends industrial heritage with retail and tasting experiences.

A unique museum showcases the industrial era of America with a well-preserved collection of antique cars and factory pieces. Entry is free of charge, offering a good presentation of local history alongside small shops.

An old factory with original tools and machines on display creates a very cool historic vibe. The space houses unique shops and breweries inside a preserved building.

People are saying

"It's interesting seeing all the old machinery and antique cars from the factory."

"It's a cool place with old factory equipment and shops mixed in."

"I loved seeing the old cars and machinery at the museums."

Good to know

1

The site is free to visit.

2

Parking costs $10.

3

Whiskey tastings are offered at the museum.

05
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum image 1

Massive building filled with stunning replicas of recording studios and interactive music areas where visitors can play instruments and record vocals. Sounds from different sections create a lively but sometimes distracting atmosphere. Decorations include a record wall and a unique TV display syncing vintage sets to videos.

Exhibits showcase musicians who changed everything and offer a deep dive into the music industry. Visitors spend hours exploring and get a real sense of what it takes to work in music.

Interactive exhibits let you play with instruments and recording gear. The museum shows vintage instruments, session musician memorabilia, and a secret Jimi Hendrix room.

People are saying

"This museum is so fun and interactive with amazing music artifacts."

"I loved seeing the historical instruments and stage outfits of famous musicians."

"I found the exhibits and the whole experience really cool."

Good to know

1

Admission is $28 for adults, with discounts available for students and seniors.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

3

The museum features a special exhibit on Jimi Hendrix, showcasing rare memorabilia.

06
Johnny Cash Museum image 1

Small museum space offers interactive listening stations and curated exhibits featuring photos, videos, and memorabilia. Atmosphere feels personal and respectful, with music playing that engages visitors. Layout is non-linear but provides plenty of photo opportunities and a friendly vibe.

Extensive exhibits showcase the life and music of Johnny Cash with high information density. The museum offers a phenomenal collection that appeals strongly to fans of Cash and country music.

Displays feature rare artifacts and a chronological outline of Johnny Cash's career. The museum offers a fun and educational experience packed with memorabilia and detailed information.

People are saying

"I found the Johnny Cash Museum to be a wonderful tribute."

"I found the historical sites here packed with Johnny Cash's amazing history."

"I found the museum to be a really cool experience."

Good to know

1

Tickets are required for entry; check for pricing details.

2

Expect crowd flow issues during peak visiting hours.

3

The museum features a variety of Johnny Cash memorabilia.

07
Marathon Factory Museum & Retail Shops image 1

Industrial building preserves original tools and machinery from early 20th century car manufacturing. Quiet atmosphere invites slow exploration of historical artifacts and eclectic shops offering samples and local products. Layout supports easy walking through museum and retail spaces blending tradition with modern shopping.

Displays include old tools, machines, and parts from a vehicle factory, along with vintage advertisements. The museum is free, self-guided, and easy to walk through, offering a compact but informative look at auto making history.

Many cool artifacts catch attention and keep interest. Several little shops offer unique browsing experiences.

People are saying

"I loved seeing all the old machinery and auto-making history."

"I found the shops here to be really cool, with tons of collectibles."

"The museum is small, clean, and totally free."

Good to know

1

The museum is free and unguided, with a guided tour option available for a fee.

2

Parking on the street is cheaper than the gravel lot.

3

The museum features a coffee shop and restaurants for visitors.

08
Historic RCA Studio B image 1

Small brick studio holds rich music history and original recording gear. Atmosphere feels intimate and reverent, with echoes of legendary artists and timeless hits. Tours offer detailed stories and a sense of stepping back to the studio's heyday.

Efficient and helpful staff assist with admissions and tours. Tickets allow all-day access, letting visitors explore at their own pace. The museum offers rich insights for music history enthusiasts.

Walking in the footsteps of music legends feels very cool here. The studio where Dolly Parton and Elvis recorded offers a historic vibe that makes the tour engaging.

People are saying

"The historical sites here are brought to life by knowledgeable guides."

"The tour guides here are so knowledgeable and make it interesting."

"The museum tour guides are so knowledgeable and tell fascinating stories."

Good to know

1

Tickets for the RCA Studio B tour require a Country Music Hall of Fame admission.

2

Advance reservations are recommended as tours can sell out quickly.

3

The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes music recorded in Studio B.

09
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage image 1

Expansive grounds with historic mansion and original features create a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Visitors often enjoy wagon rides and local wines while exploring beautiful gardens and shaded paths. The site balances authentic architecture with open space, offering a relaxing and immersive historical experience.

Exhibits focus on Andrew Jackson's life and stories of others tied to the property. Interactive displays, short films, and artifacts create an immersive experience. Electric carts assist with the long walk between exhibits.

Tours include walking through the former president's house with original furniture, slippers, beds, desks, and wallpaper. The mansion and its historical artifacts offer a very cool glimpse into the past.

People are saying

"I found the history here so interesting and still in tact."

"The museum guides here are so knowledgeable and informative."

"I found the historical site to be a really cool place to visit."

Good to know

1

Tickets for the house tour should be booked in advance to avoid missing out.

2

Wine tasting is available on-site for $3 per flight.

3

Admission costs $20 per person to access the grounds.

10
Madame Tussauds Nashville image 1

Wax museum with life-like wax figures and themed rooms creates an immersive, colorful atmosphere. Interactive exhibits include photo opportunities and a karaoke booth, adding energy and engagement. Layout flows well with diverse music eras, enhancing the experience.

Wax figures capture legends like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift with meticulous artistry. Interactive displays and a music-themed ambiance create an engaging, electric atmosphere.

The place offers a really cool vibe with an eerie twist. It features wax figures of music stars that make the experience unique.

People are saying

"I loved taking photos with the wax figures at this museum."

"It's a lot of fun taking photos with the stars."

"I found the experience really cool and fun."

Good to know

1

The museum only accepts card payments; cash is not accepted.

2

Expect minimal wait times during weekdays, especially in the morning.

3

The museum is located inside Opry Mills Mall, making it easy to access.

11
The Gallery of Iconic Guitars (The GIG) at Belmont image 1

Museum showcases vintage guitars, basses, banjos, and mandolins with some instruments playable by visitors. Atmosphere balances musical history and art, creating a cool and special vibe. Guided tours offer detailed insights, while security measures can limit close viewing of exhibits.

The museum features a gallery of classic guitars, basses, banjos, and mandolins showcasing musical history and art. Security buzzers are sensitive, which can make reading exhibit labels challenging, especially for seniors.

Classic guitars, basses, banjos, and mandolins fill the gallery with a cool collection. The space feels special and stands out as a unique stop.

People are saying

"You can play some of the guitars at this cool museum."

"I found the collection of classic guitars and basses really cool."

"The Galleries have classic guitars you can play."

Good to know

1

Admission is $4.00, making it an affordable option for visitors.

2

Some guitars at The GIG are playable by visitors, enhancing the experience.

3

Guided tours are available, providing detailed information about the collection.

12
Legends of Country Music Museum and Nashville Souvenirs image 1

Small museum offers an intimate look at country music history with extensive memorabilia from legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Gift shop provides a wide variety of affordable souvenirs including clothing and novelties. Adjacent bar features a relaxed vibe with live music and food.

A large collection of Willie Nelson memorabilia and exhibits on over 35 classic country legends fills the museum. It offers a packed but manageable experience with detailed information on country music history and stars like Lefty Frizzell.

Memorabilia stands out with Legends of Country Music and Nashville Souvenirs creating a laid back vibe. The museum offers a super cool atmosphere throughout.

People are saying

"I loved the museum and the store's affordable souvenirs."

"I found lots of interesting information on artists like Willie Nelson."

"The museum memorabilia is really cool."

Good to know

1

Admission is approximately $12.95 per person.

2

The museum features a large collection of Willie Nelson memorabilia.

3

The gift shop offers a variety of affordable souvenirs related to country music.

13
Fort Negley Visitors Center image 1
Historical landmark

Historic fort ruins sit amid rustic paths and wildflowers, offering 360-degree views of downtown Nashville. The atmosphere is quiet and pleasant, inviting reflection on the area's rich history. Archaeological digs and informative exhibits add depth to the outdoor experience.

Free exhibits at the Visitor Center focus on local history with some artifacts on display. The museum space is well-maintained but could use more visually appealing items to enhance the exhibits.

Remains of the fort show detailed stone work. Hawks often circle above, adding to the historic vibe.

People are saying

"You can learn so much about Nashville's history here."

"I found the museum here to be an interesting stop with lots of historical information."

"The stone work and remains here are really cool to look at."

Good to know

1

Admission and parking are free.

2

The guided tour at Fort Negley Visitors Center is fantastic and free.

3

There is plenty of parking available.

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