They don't call it "Music City USA" for nothing. Most of Nashville's best museums tribute some of the biggest recording artists in history. If you're looking for a bit of substance and something more than just getting drunk at a honky-tonk on Broadway, here's are the best music museums in Nashville.
1. Musician's Hall of Fame and Museum
This place is an underrated gem of a museum that should be at the top of your list. It doesn't get as much attention because it's not located directly downtown among the other museums and bars. However, their collection of artifacts will thrill a true music lover!
See the drums used at Motown while recording some of the label's biggest hit songs. Check out the keyboard Paul Schaffer played for many years while serving as the sidekick to David Letterman. And you can even see the audio soundboard used by Garth Brooks as he produced his biggest hit records. The museum is divided up into sections that highlight artifacts tied to many of the notable recording studios like Sun, Stax, and Capitol Records.
2. Johnny Cash Museum
If you're a fan of Johnny Cash you'll really enjoy this small but loaded museum dedicated to the man in black! It's full of memorabilia, one-of-a-kind artifacts, vintage records, stage costumes, and instruments. You'll go through a timeline of Cash's musical career - from his early appearances at Sun Studio in Memphis to his final recording session and last hit song. (The museum has the chair he sat in from the music video.) You'll even see some quirky stuff like his personal American Express card. The gift shop is pretty big with lots of great Johnny Cash merchandise and there's a Cash themed barbecue restaurant next door.
3. Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
If you love country music (or at least back when it was "real" country music) - this place is a must-visit if you're traveling to Nashville. It would take you weeks to read every single panel or inspect every single artifact on display. At a minimum, plan for several hours to enjoy the exhibits - including a stop in the hallowed hall of fame to see the plaques of the talented artists that have been inducted over the years. Don't miss the huge gift shop and the Hatch Print store on the first floor of the complex.
4. National Museum of African American Music
One of Nashville's newest museums is the National Museum of African American Music. The museum opened in 2020 and provides guests a comprehensive look at all genres of Black music. The interactive museum explores gospel, blues, jazz, hip-hop and more while giving guests a chance to be part of the show! The collection includes instruments, photos, costumes, and video presentations. The museum is located directly across from the Ryman Auditorium.
5. RCA Studio B
It's one of the most historic recording studios in all of American music history! Elvis alone recorded over 200 songs here. (You can have a seat at his favorite piano on your tour of RCA Studio B.) It's not a big place but it's impact on music is enormous. Dolly Parton was once so excited at the chance to record here that she literally drove her car into the building. Oops. Your tour begins from the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum where you'll hop on a tour bus. You'll head to historic Music Row where you'll walk through the small building and stand in the very same place that some of the biggest names in music once stood while recording some of your favorite hit songs!
