Nashville is renowned for being one of the most musical cities in the world, and it’s not just its live music scene that contributes to this reputation. The city boasts several museums that document the history of music, encompassing diverse musical genres such as country, blues, and rock and roll. These museums are a must-visit for anyone interested in music.
Here are some of the notable ones to visit this Grammy week!
Country Music Hall of Fame
This museum boasts a collection of over 2.5 million artifacts, including hundreds of historical musical instruments and thousands of clothing items worn by country artists. It’s been dubbed as the “Smithsonian of country music”. The museum also features a 776-seat CMA Theater, the 213-seat Ford Theater, and the Taylor Swift Education Center.
RCA Studio B
One of the oldest and most renowned music studios in Nashville, RCA Studio B recorded iconic artists like Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. It’s under the control of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and remains a gatekeeper to the Nashville sound.
National Museum of African American Music
This 56,000 square-foot facility celebrates the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music, from classical to hip hop. It features over 50 music genres and sub-genres and tells the story of black music through interactive technology and history.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
This museum, located inside the Historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium, pays tribute to musicians who played on some of the greatest song recordings of all time. It showcases actual instruments used by musicians across several musical genres and includes exhibits like the Motown Exhibit, the American Studio Exhibit, and the GRAMMY Museum Gallery.
Patsy Cline Museum
Dedicated to one of country music’s most acclaimed vocalists, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Patsy Cline artifacts, including family photos, costumes, and possessions.
Gallery of Iconic Guitars (GIG) at Belmont
This museum showcases rare and iconic guitars and other stringed instruments and provides visitors with historical information and technical details about each one.
Johnny Cash Museum
If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash, this museum offers the largest collection of his memorabilia in the world, including stage costumes, instruments, and personal letters.
Gibson Garage
The ultimate guitar experience, the Gibson Garage showcases guitars and equipment from Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer, and offers lessons, live shows, and a shop for accessories and gear.
These museums are a must-see for anyone interested in music and its history in Nashville.
