Nashville is known for country music, Tennessee whiskey, and hot chicken. But the city also offers a wide range of cultural activities. Nashville art galleries are some of the best in the United States. From local artists to world-wide masterpieces, we have compiled a Nashville Art & Culture Gallery Exhibits list that will give all types of art lovers something to enjoy in the Music City.
Best Nashville Art & Culture Gallery Exhibits
Art Galleries Downtown Nashville
Travel into downtown Nashville and experience the Frist Museum or the famous Rymer Gallery.
The Frist Museum
The Frist Museum located in downtown Nashville is an excellent option for any art lover. Constant traveling exhibits offer something new each time you visit the music city. The Frist’s goal is to “inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways”. I was lucky enough to get to see exhibitions by Van Gogh, Monet and Degas. As someone who currently lives in Chicago, having access to the Art Institute is a true blessing, but traveling exhibitions offer people all over the world the chance to view art they may never come in contact with. The Frist offered me another piece to my favorite collection, and it was exciting to be able to see that.
Rymer Gallery
Next up on on our downtown Nashville galleries list is the Rymer Gallery. Located in Nashville’s Art District, the Rymer focuses on highlighting multimedia artists. This huge 3,000 square foot space allows for young, talented artists to showcase an array of contemporary pieces. Attend the Nashville Art Crawl here each first Saturday of the month, or make your way to the downtown Nashville gallery Tuesday through Saturday.
East Nashville Art Galleries
Venture into one of Nashvilles coolest neighborhoods— East Nashville to discover Red Arrow Gallery.
Red Arrow Gallery
This East Nashville Art gallery highlights both local and international artists with a focus on launching careers. With all mediums on display, Red Arrow Gallery is the perfect stop on your tour of East Nashville.
Bryant Gallery is located in East Nashville’s Five Points area. This is essentially the downtown of East Nashville. Mingle with locals, enjoy great food and drinks, and stop by this East Nashville Art Gallery featuring contemporary works of art. Open on weekends, this is a great Saturday or Sunday option while you are visiting the Music city.
Other Nashville Art Galleries
The Williams American Art Gallery
The Williams American Art Gallery located in Nashville’s Green Hills neighborhood host a collection of art and antiques which includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, furniture, and more. Much of the art in this Nashville museum focuses on period art from the 1920s through 1950s. This is an excellent option for the art lover who is interested in American art.
Nashville also offers many small and local galleries that put-on art from around the world and feature local artists. Aside from Impressionism and traveling exhibits, Nashville also offers plenty in terms of music culture, American history, and architecture. Spend time visiting the Pantheon for a Greek experience in the heart of Nashville. Drop by the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about Nashville’s natives who have made it big and create your own sound in many of the interactive exhibits. Take in a show at the Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry. Visit the Hermitage, Belle Meade Plantation, or the Belmont Mansion to learn about the role Nashville has played in American history. There is truly no limit to learning about this fascinating southern city.
MAST's Essential Nashville Packing List
1. Hydroflask Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while on Broadway as well as through the heat and humidity of Nashville with a Hydroflask.
2. Jean Jacket
Nashville may warm up in the summer but other seasons can be breezy and nights can get cold. Stay layered with a great jean jacket that is also trendy.
3. Sun Hat
Keep the sun off and look great while doing it in a straw hat.
Conclusion on the Best Art & Culture Gallery Exhibits
One great thing about traveling is that we often find the best parts of our trips were unexpected. Of course, when traveling to Nashville I hope to hear great live music, enjoy the bright lights of Broadway Street, and indulge in some great southern cuisine, but the true treasures of Nashville often come from outside the ordinary. Next time you are in the music city stop by one of these great cultural attractions to learn more about all the pieces that make Nashville great!
