Artistic Nashville – Art Museums and Galleries in Music City

Where the fine arts are concerned, Nashville is perhaps one of the best-rounded cities in the Southern United States. Renowned as an industry capital for country music and similar styles, Music City is more than great harmonies. Some of the best known artists in the region have exhibited their work in local galleries, and university collections provide insight into centuries of history and culture as interpreted by the masters of visual media.

You can gain a new appreciation for mixed media, paint on canvas, and ceramic and glass sculptures at the many art museums and galleries around town. Some of the most visited venues include:

Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Past exhibitions have highlighted the works of Georgia O’Keefe, Salvador Dali, and Paul Cezanne, and visitors may also explore works of contemporary photographers and ancient civilizations. The Frist Center is open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, and free for ages 18 and under.

The Parthenon. More than a replica of the ancient Greek temple, the Parthenon houses an impression collection of artworks by American artists of the 18^th century through the present. Admission to the Parthenon is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors 62 and over and $4 for children 4-17. Under 4 is admitted free.

Van Vechten Art Gallery. For over 60 years, the Carl Van Vechten gallery has housed paintings by the best known names in art history – Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, O’Keefe, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Visitors to Fisk University need only to look for the rustic church-shaped building to experience art at its finest. Hours of operation vary to accommodate the school schedule, and the gallery is closed on weekends and university holidays.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Art Museum. Among the permanent collection of artworks at this popular home for visual media are paintings by pop artists Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, a portrait of George Washington by artist Gilbert Stuart, and a porringer forged by Paul Revere. Visitors to the Cheekwood can enjoy live music and other special events held throughout the year. General admission for non-special events is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for college students, $5 for children 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.