When it comes to free things to do in Nashville, there seem to be plenty of options. There’s simply so much to do in this city, even the folks who live here would have a hard time doing everything within a few years! Not to mention the strain on the wallet…. Luckily, there are plenty of free museums in Nashville. Yep, you read that right: FREE. And we can practically guarantee that you won’t regret paying a visit to these free Nashville museums.

1. Tennessee Agricultural Museum
Tennessee Agricultural Museum, 404 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, USA
Tennessee Agricultural Museum - Facebook
One of the most well-known museums in Nashville, the Tennessee Agricultural Museum is located on the grounds of the Ellington Agricultural Center in South Nashville. The museum is always free and features artifacts from throughout the history of farming in Tennessee.

Check out this overview of this wonderful museum:

2. The Tennessee Governor's Mansion
Tennessee Governor's Residence, 882 Curtiswood Ln S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM - Flickr
Did you know that the Tennessee Governor's Mansion is also hiding in South Nashville and that you can tour it for free? The catch is that tours are only available on select days and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, which you can do by visiting the Tennessee Governor's Mansion website. Can't wait to visit? You can always drive by for free.

Here’s an overview of this state mansion:

3. The Upper Room Chapel and Christian Art Museum
1908 Grand Ave, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
Ana Michelle Buchanan/Google
The Upper Room is known for its devotionals that it publishes across the world, and it's also where you'll find one of the best free museums in Nashville. Utterly unique, the museum is full of global, interracial, interdenominational Christian art. It has different exhibits at different times of the year, so it's worth going back again and again. Though the museum is open on select days throughout the week, tours should be requested ahead of time.
4. Cooter's Place
2613 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
Cooter's Place Nashville - Facebook
Now for something a little more light-hearted: Cooter's Place. This Dukes of Hazard museum is run by none other than Cooter himself (or at least the actor who played him). There's all kinds of memorabilia from the show including many of the cars used. It's truly unlike any other of the free museums in Nashville.

Take a virtual tour of Cooter’s Place:

5. Warner Park Nature Center
7311 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Warner Park Nature Center - Facebook
The Warner Parks in Belle Meade are known for their expansive beauty, but their nature center is the park's true hidden gem, and that's because it's one of the best museums in Nashville. A great visit for all ages, the museum is full of the natural history of the area, and it's absolutely free.
6. Centennial Art Center
Metro Parks Centennial Art Center, 301 25th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Metro Parks Centennial Art Center - Facebook
Hiding in West End's Centennial Park is the Centennial Art Center, a small building that's hiding a lot of cool history about the park, along with a lot of local art. And unlike most Nashville museums, visitors have a chance to get creative, as the Centennial Art Center offers tons and tons of community classes for anyone interested in learning!
7. Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery
Vanderbilt University Cohen Memorial Fine Arts Gallery, Hall, Cohen Memorial, 1220 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery - Facebook
When searching for free attractions in Nashville, look no further than the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery. It's easily one of the nicest museums in town, but not many people know about it. It's a huge plus that it's free! There's all kinds of stuff that comes in and out of the gallery, so be sure to visit more than once, as each visit is like a brand-new adventure. The Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery is located in Cohen Memorial Hall.

So, did you know about these free museums in Nashville? Ever visited any of these Nashville museums? Know of any other can’t-miss free attractions in Nashville? Tell us!

Visiting the free museums in Nashville isn’t the only option for affordable fun. There are actually quite a few restaurants in Tennessee where you can dine for $10 or less.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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Free Museums In Nashville

Daniella DiRienzo | July 06, 2022

What are the most unique things to do in Nashville?

The most unique things to do in Nashville include the Parthenon.

When seeking unique things to do in Nashville, a visit to the Parthenon is a must. The centerpiece of Centennial Park, the massive monument is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. And just like its famous counterpart, the Parthenon in Nashville is home to a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena. Nashville’s Parthenon isn’t solely meant to be admired from afar, though. It’s actually home to the city’s art museum, which means visitors can step inside and explore the interior of the iconic structure.

What are the best local attractions in Nashville?

The best local attractions in Nashville include the Lane Motor Museum.

Free museums in Nashville aren’t the only museums that belong on your bucket list. There are lots of great museums in the city, including the Lane Motor Museum. Established in 2002, the museum is filled with automobiles, but not just any automobiles. The Lane Motor Museum is one of only a few museums in the U.S. that specializes in European cars. Fun for all ages, the museum showcases iconic automobiles from years past, making for a history lesson like no other.

Which hidden gems in Nashville should I visit?

Hidden gems to visit in Nashville include Hail, Dark Aesthetics.

There seems to be no shortage of hidden gems in Nashville, and Hail, Dark Aesthetics is one of them. Easily the most unique shopping destination in the city, the quirky store specializes in rare and interesting taxidermy items, which have been known to come in the form of human toes, shrunken heads, and moose hoof ashtrays. However, that’s not all you’ll find among the store’s eclectic mix of merchandise. The shelves are stocked with an array of unique items and antiques. It’s truly the perfect place for oddities, curiosities, and the macabre. In the past, the store has even hosted taxidermy classes, so you can conjure up your own quirky creations.

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